09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Shunga: The Secret World of Erotic Art Screening & Talk Event
This summer, immerse yourself in the provocative and masterful world of shunga —Japan's celebrated erotic art—at an exclusive one-night-only event in Shinjuku. On Friday, August 1, 2025, 109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku will host 'Shunga Night!!' in collaboration with the Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition–A Moment Interwoven with Culture. The event features a special screening of the acclaimed documentary film 'Shunga: The Secret World of Erotic Art,' with English subtitles.
Before the film, enjoy a rare talk event with two leading figures of the Shunga revival: Mitsuru Uragami, world-renowned collector and curator of the exhibition, and Maki Tezuka, Kabukicho cultural leader and initiator of the exhibition. They will unveil rarely-seen Shunga prints, projected in cinematic scale and share their insights into this bold and beautiful art form.
About the Exhibition
Currently on view at the Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Theater through September 30, 2025, the Shunga Exhibition–A Moment Interwoven with Culture features 100 works by Edo-period masters such as Hishikawa Moronobu, Kitagawa Utamaro, Katsushika Hokusai, and Utagawa Kuniyoshi—all from Uragami's unparalleled collection.
The exhibition is art-directed by Yasutaka Hayashi (Chim↑Pom from Smappa!Group) and transforms the Noh Theater into an intimate yet spectacular art space, celebrating the humor, eroticism and artistry of Shunga.
About 'Shunga Night!!'
This special event invites audiences to experience Shunga in an entirely new way: on the big screen, paired with live commentary and interpretation. The documentary film, 'Shunga: The Secret World of Erotic Art,' reveals the surprising history, techniques and creativity of Shunga, challenging taboos and showcasing it as an art form that transcends mere eroticism.
English subtitles and interpretation are provided—international guests welcome! (18+ only)
Schedule (August 1, 2025 – Friday)
20:30 — Talk: Shunga Uncovered with Mitsuru Uragami & Maki Tezuka (~45 min)
21:15 — Intermission (15 min)
21:30 — Screening: 'Shunga: The Secret World of Erotic Art' (2 hrs)
23:30 — Event concludes
Tickets
CLASS S: ¥7,500 (includes premium lounge access after the event)
CLASS A: ¥5,500
Both include welcome drinks & popcorn, plus access to the main lounge from 1 hour before showtime.
＊Show your ticket for ¥200 off admission to the Shunga Exhibition (same day only).
Tickets on sale from July 30 at 12am via:
Guest Speakers
Mitsuru Uragami
Director of Uragami Sokyudo and the world's top collector of Hokusai Manga. He has brought Shunga to a global stage through the British Museum's landmark 2013 exhibition and the record-breaking 2015 Tokyo Shunga show.
Maki T ezuka
President of Smappa!Group and cultural innovator in Kabukicho, known for revitalizing the district through art, literature, and community projects.
About the Film ' Shunga: The Secret World of Erotic Art' (Shun no E SHUNGA)
A revelatory documentary exploring the artistry, passion, and cultural significance of Shunga through expert commentary, rare works, and historical context.
Directed by Junko Hirata.
Featuring Tadanori Yokoo, Makoto Aida, Ryoko Kimura, Mitsuru Uragami, and more.
Narration: Mirai Moriyama & Yō Yoshida.
Distributed by Culture Publishers.
Rating: R18+ | English subtitles
About 109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku
Located on the 9th and 10th floors of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, this premium cinema redefines moviegoing with spacious luxury seating, exclusive lounges and state-of-the-art sound supervised by Ryuichi Sakamoto.
