Latest news with #Smappa!Group
Time Out
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This display of traditional erotic art is one of Tokyo's most stimulating summer exhibitions
Traditional Japanese erotic art – shunga – flourished during the Edo period (1603–1867), along with the rise of ukiyo-e woodblock printing. Some of the greatest artists of the time, including Kitagawa Utamaro and Katsushika Hokusai, employed ukiyo-e to depict Edo's hedonistic 'floating world' of geisha, kabuki, sumo – and sex. Shunga was in great demand and widely available, despite an official ban, and developed into a highly sophisticated genre in which artists incorporated references to waka poetry and the Chinese classics while tiptoeing around taboos and government censorship. But once Japan opened itself up to the Western world after centuries of isolation, Shunga was deemed 'obscene' and purged from the culture – for nearly 150 years, it turned out. The first major contemporary display of Shunga wasn't held in Tokyo until 2013, but that landmark show cleared the way for similar exhibitions. And now, perhaps the most rousing (sorry) Shunga show to date has opened right here in the capital. On display until September 30, the Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition features around 150 pieces by the likes of Hokusai, Utamaro and Hishikawa Moronobu. Curated from the collection of Mitsuru Uragami, one of Japan's foremost Shunga connoisseurs, the exhibition takes place across two venues: the Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage and a disused 'host club' nearby. The hallowed atmosphere of the Noh stage makes a curious setting for the works, which though undoubtedly erotic also contain a strong element of humour. In fact, Shunga were sometimes referred to as warai-e, or 'laughing pictures'. Making your way through the exhibition, you're bound to notice another unique Shunga element. Both partners are usually fully (well, almost fully) clothed. Unlike in the West, where bare flesh was seen as simultaneously tantalising and taboo, the men and women of Edo-era Japan saw each other in the nude regularly at mixed baths and the like. If anything, it was more appealing to see men and women in Shunga clothed, as it helped to identify the characters' walk of life – and to emphasise the parts that were exposed. In the host-club section of the show, floor-level neon lights lead visitors from one intricate and dainty artwork to the next. The understated decor and layout successfully evokes an era where attitudes about sex were freer and erotica was widely accepted as a prominent art form. A corner of the host club has been converted into a gift shop, where you can pick up Shunga-tastic merch like totes, socks, cushions, cookies and collectible cards, all at reasonable prices. All in all, there's a distinct Kabukicho flair to the Shunga Exhibition, as you'd expect from a show organised by the Smappa!Group. Running an array of bars, clubs and other businesses in the neighbourhood, Smappa is the brainchild of Maki Tezuka, a former top host who's taken it upon himself to combine his core business of after-dark entertainment with cultural initiatives. 'Kabukicho still has a shady reputation, and Shunga is treated as porn,' Tezuka says. 'But both with the neighbourhood and the art form, just scratching the surface reveals a different picture: humanity, humour, soul. I hope this exhibition will inspire people to discover both Kabukicho and Shunga with new eyes.' So keep an open mind, leave your prejudices at home, and make your way to Kabukicho by September 30. Provided you're over 18, that is. Tokyo is getting a Pokémon theme park in spring 2026
Metropolis Japan
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.
Metropolis Japan
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition 2025
Connecting Edo Spirit to the World from Kabukicho , Shinjuku Step into a world where Edo-period humor, sensuality, and artistry meet the vibrant energy of modern Kabukicho at the Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition 2025 . Hosted at the historic Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Theater, this groundbreaking exhibition presents approximately 100 works of shunga (erotic art) and ukiyo-e, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Hishikawa Moronobu, Utamaro, Hokusai, and Kuniyoshi. Curated by Smappa!Group with special cooperation from Uragami Sokyudo, and directed by Yasutaka Hayashi (Chim↑Pom from Smappa!Group), the exhibition transforms the traditional Noh stage into an immersive journey through Edo culture. The exhibit highlights the laughter, fantasy, and openness embodied by shunga, offering a new cultural dialogue between the past and present. In addition to the art displays, visitors can enjoy performances, lectures, and storytelling events, including appearances by distinguished guests like Mitsuru Uragami, Noboru Yasuda, and Tokyo QQQ. Exhibition materials will be available in Japanese, English, and Chinese. Special Features: Chronological presentation of shunga and ukiyo-e Educational insights into Edo aesthetics, humor, and craftsmanship Local collaborations including walking tours and book fairs Repeat visitor discounts with ticket stubs Organized by: Smappa!Group Special Cooperation: Uragami Sokyudo Join us this summer to rediscover the beauty, wit, and freedom of Edo-era Japan — right in the heart of Kabukicho. More Information: Official Theater Website +18 years old only Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Theater. ￥1,500 (includes tabi socks)
