3 November 2026
This exhibition accompanies the Japan-Ukraine Sakura Peace Initiative, which is working to bring Japanese cherry trees to Ukraine as symbols of peace, friendship and reconciliation. The project was initiated by London-based Japanese journalist and author Naoko Abe, bringing together a growing network of people around the lifelong work of Masatoshi Asari, a 95-year-old cherry-tree creator
3 November 2026
Masatoshi Asari, a 95-year-old Japanese cherry-tree creator who has spent more than 50 years sending sakura overseas, will make his final ‘gift of peace’ next spring when his ornamental cherries go to Ukraine in 2027, five years after the war started. Throughout his life, Asari has regarded cherry blossoms as symbols of peace, friendship and reconciliation. How can Japanese cherry trees support humanitarian activities in Ukraine, a country devastated by war? Can cherry trees be a testament of hope there? Tracing the human stories behind the trees, this talk explored these questions.
23 October 2026
In this webinar, moderated by Professor Alastair Phillips, acclaimed filmmaker Shinya Tsukamoto discussed his latest film, ‘Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People?’, which received the Leoncino d’Oro Award at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. He shared insights into his work, the concepts and background behind the film’s creation, as well as the inspiration behind the work.
22 October 2026
In this talk, artist Katie Yamasaki reflected on the vision and values of her grandfather, Japanese-American architect Minoru Yamasaki, and explored the complex legacy of the Twin Towers, which he designed, from her personal perspective as his granddaughter in the years following 9/11. Drawing on her book, ‘Shapes, Lines, and Light: My Grandfather’s American Journey’, she also discussed what she hopes to convey about her grandfather’s life and work, and what she wishes to pass on to younger generations.
14 October 2026
The Japanese are widely renowned for their appreciation of classical music, as demonstrated by the international activities of Japanese musicians as well as the excellent quality of Japan’s concert halls and its supportive concertgoers. But what about Baroque music? Are there historic venues or institutions in Japan comparable to those in Europe? More fundamentally, what is the difference between classical and Baroque music? In this talk, moderated by Dr Thomas A. Cressy, Masato Suzuki spoke about his career and activities, and how Baroque music is also appreciated in Japan by performers and audiences alike. This year, Bach Collegium Japan will be celebrating its 25th consecutive performance of Handel’s Messiah at Suntory Hall, a piece whose features Suzuki will also highlight.
14 October 2026
Join us for a gallery tour of Meiro Koizumi’s solo exhibition in the UK, Spirit of Automatism, led by the artist himself. One of Japan’s most prominent contemporary artists, Koizumi is internationally acclaimed for video installations that explore socio-political issues through re-enactment. Touching on themes of collective memory, war and psychological impact, he is concerned
30 September 2026
To mark the opening of Meiro Koizumi’s solo exhibition, we were delighted to host an artist talk by Meiro Koizumi. He discussed with Tom Denman (standing in for Prof Franke) the ideas and inspiration behind his work.
Koizumi is internationally acclaimed for video installations that explore socio-political issues through re-enactment. Touching on themes of collective memory, war and psychological impact, he is concerned ‘to capture the forms of the violent rituals that support rational modern civilisation at a deep level’.
30 September 2026
Join us for a private view of Meiro Koizumi’s solo exhibition at the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, Spirit of Automatism.
One of Japan’s most prominent contemporary artists, Koizumi is internationally acclaimed for video installations that explore socio-political issues through re-enactment. Touching on themes of collective memory, war and psychological impact, he is concerned “to capture the forms of the violent rituals that support rational modern civilisation at a deep level”. This exhibition combines video, sculpture and drawing to convey Koizumi’s idea of the automated human – a person who acts unconsciously, as if deprived of their own free will.
29 September 2026
In August 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the disputed island called Etorofu in Japanese (Iturup in Russian) for the first time. Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi criticised Putin’s visit as ‘absolutely unacceptable’. The two countries have been locked in a territorial dispute over the islands since the end of the Second World War. Why has Putin chosen to visit now? In this webinar, the speakers explained the current status of the Northern Territories dispute, explored the potential reasons behind President Putin’s visit and discussed its implications for Russia–Japan diplomacy and security in Northeast Asia.
24 September 2026
Join us for a gallery tour of Reijiro Wada’s first solo exhibition in the UK, SECOND LAW.
Reijiro Wada will be in the gallery to lead the tour, offering a special opportunity to hear directly from the artist about his work and the exhibition.
The Second Law of Thermodynamics holds that the universe is always tending towards disorder. Ultimately all structures disintegrate and no system can withstand the flow of time. This is the fundamental direction of nature. How then is it possible that life, as we know it, can give rise to things that are beautiful, sublime and have profound meaning for us?
How far does the glinting light of life reach in a chaotic cosmos?
22 September 2026
Amid ongoing international conflicts and growing geopolitical tensions, the international legal order is facing increasing pressure. Most recently, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national, and a senior ICC lawyer, further raising concerns about the independence of international judicial institutions. This webinar explored the challenges facing the international legal order, their implications for the ICC and judicial independence, and Japan’s government response. The speakers also discussed what this situation means for the international rule of law and how international institutions can respond to growing geopolitical pressure.
17 September 2026
China holds a virtual monopoly over the global rare earths market, accounting for nearly 70% of global rare earths output in 2025 and processing almost 90% of them. In this seminar, Takahiro Kamisuna explored the history of China’s weaponisation of their dominance vis-à-vis Japan, Japan’s efforts to secure rare earths, including the recent extraction of rare-earth-rich mud from Minami-Torishima Island, and how it is working with other countries to create alternative rare earths supply chains. He also discussed potential future developments in the area.
