Shiseido Gallery

Opened in 1919, Shiseido Gallery boasts a history spanning over 100 years, making it one of Japan’s most historic art galleries and often regarded as the oldest of its kind still in operation.

With the motto of “Discovering and Creating New Beauty,” the gallery has hosted more than 3,100 exhibitions, serving as a pivotal platform for artists who later made significant contributions to Japanese art history, such as Yokoyama Taikan and Tsuguharu Foujita. It continues to play a vital role in fostering Japan’s art and culture.

The gallery was established by Shinzō Fukuhara, the first president of Shiseido, one of Japan’s leading cosmetics companies. Fukuhara was not only a successful entrepreneur but also an art connoisseur and an accomplished photographer, reflecting his deep connection to the arts.

Since the 1990s, Shiseido Gallery has shifted its focus toward contemporary art, offering exhibitions that are approachable even for beginners. In 2001, it relocated and reopened in the basement of the Tokyo Ginza Shiseido Building. The space, with its 5-meter-high atrium, is one of the largest in Ginza, providing an expansive venue for creative expression that continues to attract attention from artists.

The gallery hosts four to five exhibitions annually, including the popular shiseido art egg series, a competition-based showcase aimed at supporting emerging young artists.