Takehisa Yumeji (1884–1934) was a multifaceted artist active from the late 1900s through the mid-1930s, working as a painter, poet, journalist, designer, and illustrator. Known for his depictions of women dubbed the “Yumeji style” and his retro-modern designs, he is recognized as a figure who epitomizes the “Taisho Roman,” a trend of thought or cultural events that conveys the atmosphere of the Taisho period (1912–1926).

　His deeply lyrical works, which captured the sentimentality of youth and nostalgia, the atmosphere of the Edo period (1600–1868) and exoticism, and a longing for urban sophistication, resonated with the public through magazines, postcards, and exhibitions, sweeping the nation. Furthermore, through his pioneering work—which included designing everyday household goods that enriched daily life, producing books and magazines for children, writing the lyrics for the popular song Yoimachi-gusa (evening primrose), and documenting the Great Kanto Earthquake—the artist had a profound influence lasting through subsequent generations. Active across a wide range of genres, Yumeji can be described as a pioneering creator who bridged art and media.

　Bringing together 500 works and materials from collections across Japan—including his renowned masterpiece Kurofuneya, as well as Japanese-style paintings, oils, woodblock prints, sketches, a wide variety of designs, and scrapbooks—this exhibition explores the diverse scope of Yumeji’s work. Beyond the framework of art, he was an artist who captured the spirit of his era, set trends, and was beloved by the public. We invite you to take a closer look at his work.

Hours & Admissions

Location

Special Exhibition Gallery (1st floor) 

Date

October 23, 2026-January 11, 2027 

Closed

Mondays (except November 23, January 11), November 24 and December 28-January 1

Time

10 am–5 pm (Fridays and Saturdays open until 8 pm)

• Last admission: 30 minutes before closing.

Organaized by

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, The Mainichi Newspapers

With the sponsorship of

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., East Japan Railway Company

Exhibition Tours

January 23–March 28, 2027, Shizuoka City Museum of Art
April 24–June 13, 2027, Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design (tentative)
2028, Nakanoshima Museum of Art,Osaka (tentative)