KIMONO: Fashioning Identities
KIMONO: Fashioning Identities / Heiseikan Special Exhibition Galleries June 30, 2020 (Tue) - August 23, 2020 (Sun)

Timed-entry tickets (timed tickets)
All tickets will be timed-entry tickets (timed tickets) and must be purchased in advance online. Museum members and other visitors eligible for free admission must also make advance reservations online.
With regard to the updated ticketing and entry procedures for the Special Exhibition “KIMONO: Fashioning Identities,” please check its official exhibition website (available in Japanese only).
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Special Exhibition &
Regular exhibitions
(timed tickets)
*In Japanese
The kimono is one of Japan’s most iconic symbols, its colors and designs exemplifying Japanese cultural sensibilities and aesthetics. Lesser known, however, is that, the kimono originated as an undergarment. The predecessor to today’s kimono is a robe called the kosode (literally, “small sleeve openings”). The kosode first came into its own as an outer robe in medieval Japan during the Muromachi period (1392–1573). It was decorated accordingly with lavish dyed, embroidered, and gold or silver patterns.
This exhibition traces the kimono from its inception some eight hundred years ago to its role today as a symbol of Japanese culture with increasing sway on the contemporary fashion scene. Featuring some of the finest extant textiles, paintings, prints and other artworks drawn from collections in Japan and around the world, KIMONO: Fashioning Identities promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to consider the past, present, and future of this quintessential Japanese garment.
― Kimono: Fashioning Identities ―
*Gallery talk video tentatively scheduled to remain online until March 31, 2023.
This special extended viewing has been made possible thanks to the generosity of the exhibition lenders.
This gallery talk was conducted during Part I of the Tokyo National Museum’s special exhibition Kimono: Fashioning Identities. Exhibition curator and chair of the TNM’s Department of Decorative Arts Dr. Oyama Yuzuruha leads the tour, joined by the exhibition’s PR ambassador, celebrity and kimono aficionado IKKO. This tour gives an overview of the exhibition as well as an in-depth look at selected works on view for those unable to see the show in person or those who wish to revisit the first installation of this groundbreaking exhibition.
General Information |
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Period | June 30–August 23, 2020 |
Venue | Heiseikan, Tokyo National Museum (Ueno Park) |
Hours | 9:30–18:00 *The regular exhibitions are open untill 17:00. |
Closed | Mondays (Except for August 10) and August 11 |
Admission |
Adults: 1700 yen The Museum will be using a timed-entry reservation system (timed tickets) Persons with disabilities are admitted free with one accompanying person each (please present an ID at the ticket booth). No reservation is needed. |
Access | 10 minutes' walk from JR Ueno Station (Park exit) and Uguisudani Station 15 minutes' walk from Keisei Ueno Station, Tokyo Metro Ueno Station and Tokyo Metro Nezu Station |
Organizers | Tokyo National Museum, The Asahi Shimbun, TV Asahi Corporation, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan Arts Council |
With the Sponsorship of | Takara Leben Co., Ltd., Takenaka Corporation, Toppan Printing Co., Ltd., and Toyota Motor Corporation |
With the Assistance of | Kobe Fashion Museum |
Catalog, Audio guide | The exhibition catalog (3,000 yen) is available at the Heiseikan Special Exhibition Shop and at the museum shop in Honkan (Japanese Gallery). Audio guide (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean) is available for 600 yen. |
General Inquiries | 03-5777-8600 (Hello Dial) |
Exhibition Website | https://kimonoten2020.exhibit.jp/ (in Japanese) |
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