How Art Week Tokyo is opening up routes into Japan's contemporary art landscape

"In Asia, the "art week" model, which consolidates the three major magnetic forces of art-museums, biennials and art fairs-is rapidly proliferating. January brings Singapore, March sees Hong Kong, September features Seoul and October last year witnessed the inaugural Taipei Art Week. By having museums open major shows and host large-scale events alongside fairs, and synchronising biennial openings, these three magnetic forces are deepening their reciprocal relationships and creating powerful synergy."

"Art Week Tokyo, which had its soft launch in November 2021, when borders were not freely open to international travellers, has adopted a new model that could be called "post-art fair", challenging itself to establish a new position for Japanese contemporary art within Asia's broader ecosystem and beyond. Notably, there is no art fair. Rather, it places significant emphasis on multilayered networking by connecting existing museums and galleries scattered throughout the Tokyo metropolis via free buses and inviting art professionals from around the world."

Asia's art-week model synchronises museums, biennials and fairs across the year, with Singapore in January, Hong Kong in March, Seoul in September and Taipei debuting in October. Art Week Tokyo launched in November 2021 and adopts a 'post-art fair' approach without a central fair, connecting museums and galleries across the metropolis via free buses and inviting international art professionals. The event emphasizes multilayered networking, enriched symposiums, talks and educational programmes aimed at both specialists and beginners. The week now aligns with major national festivals—the Aichi Triennale, Okayama Art Summit and Setouchi Triennale—amplifying Japan's autumn art presence.

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