Ueno Royal Museum

A veritable who’s who of ukiyo-e, the Ueno Royal Museum’s early-summer showcase shines the spotlight on the form’s most celebrated artists. Running until July 6, the exhibition features approximately 140 works, offering an extraordinary opportunity to explore the golden age of Japanese woodblock printing through its most iconic figures. The show presents a rare assembly of masterworks from five legendary artists who shaped the ukiyo-e tradition across diverse genres. Kitagawa Utamaro’s graceful and sensual portraits of women from the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters evoke the refined elegance of Edo’s vibrant nightlife, while Toshusai Sharaku’s dynamic and enigmatic actor portraits, produced over a brief yet prolific period, remain some of the most striking works in Japanese art. Meanwhile, Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji master Katsushika Hokusai reveals the boundless imagination that eventually earned him global fame. Utagawa Hiroshige’s poetic landscapes, with their rain-soaked streets and moonlit scenes, transport viewers through Edo’s seasons, while Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s bold, humorous warrior prints showcase his innovative spirit and visual wit.

Tsukasa Hojo’s popular manga City Hunter debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1985, and the action comedy series has since become firmly established in the Japanese comics canon. The story follows the charismatic but easily distracted private investigator Ryo Saeba, an inveterate womaniser, as he takes on high-stakes missions in Tokyo, helping those in need while navigating an ever-expanding cast of allies and adversaries. Known for its gripping blend of action, humour and heartfelt moments, City Hunter has inspired anime adaptations, films, and live-action interpretations around the world. To commemorate the manga’s 40th anniversary, the Ueno Royal Museum will be hosting the ‘City Hunter 40th Anniversary Original Art Exhibition’ from November 22 to December 28 2025. The special showcase is set to feature a vast collection of original artwork, tracing the series’ evolution over four decades. Fans will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of City Hunter through rare illustrations, behind-the-scenes sketches, and iconic moments that have defined the series. Sharing his thoughts on the milestone, Tsukasa Hojo humorously noted that while protagonist Ryo Saeba repeatedly proclaims himself ‘twenty years old’ (regardless of his real age), City Hunter is now celebrating its ‘second coming-of-age ceremony’. Here’s to hoping that Ryo’s adventures will continue to resonate with readers for decades to come.