Ota Memorial Museum of Art

This specialized ukiyo-e museum holds an extensive collection of approximately 15,000 works, including both original paintings (nikuhitsuga) and woodblock prints (mokuhanga). Featuring masterpieces by historically renowned artists such as Kitagawa Utamaro, Katsushika Hokusai, and Utagawa Hiroshige, the museum’s collection spans from ukiyo-e’s rise to its eventual decline, making it one of the world’s foremost collections in both size and scope.

Established to publicly exhibit the extensive collection amassed by Seizo Ota V, a prominent business leader who served as chairman of Toho Mutual Life Insurance Company, the museum initially began with about 12,000 ukiyo-e works collected during his lifetime and continues to expand today.

Every month, the museum curates special themed exhibitions, carefully selecting between 80 and 100 works from its vast holdings. Each exhibition offers a unique perspective, ensuring visitors discover something new every visit. Additionally, the museum occasionally hosts educational events such as curator-led gallery talks, lectures, and film screenings focused on ukiyo-e art and Edo-period culture.