The exhibition "50 Years After His Death: The World of Yokoi Kozo, 'Japan's Rousseau'" is being held at the Nerima Art Museum in Nakamurabashi, Tokyo, until June 5th.
Born in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture in 1889, Yokoi Kozo was a self-taught painter whose work was recognized early on, winning the Nika Prize at the 3rd Nika Exhibition in 1916 alongside Togo Seiji and Ishii Tsuruzo. Yokoi's works, born from a personality described by Western-style painter Arishima Ikuma as "in the best of spirits," were highly praised and he was dubbed "Japan's Henri Rousseau." However, when the Nika Exhibition announced that it would suspend the "Pictures for Children of Reconstruction" project, a donation of Yokoi's paintings to children affected by the Great Kanto Earthquake, Yokoi left the Nika Exhibition and organized his own independent exhibition, the "Riso Exhibition," which was unreviewed and open to the public. He engaged in activities that challenged the established art world, and continued to paint while running a secondhand bookstore and street stall. After leaving the mainstream art world, Yokoi's name gradually faded from public memory, and his career as an artist was not necessarily blessed. However, he moved to Nagano City in the final years of his life, and was blessed with local supporters, allowing him to pursue his creative endeavors energetically for the next 20 years. The "50th Anniversary of Yokoi's Death: The World of Yokoi Kozo, 'Japan's Rousseau'" exhibition brings together Yokoi's works, many of which are rarely seen together, as many are privately owned by enthusiasts. Approximately 200 works will be on display, including works using a variety of techniques such as oil paintings, prints, lacquer paintings, and pyrography, as well as books, bound books, and creative toys, providing a glimpse into the full scope of Yokoi's artistic career, which has yet to be fully revealed.

In addition, events such as lectures, workshops, and gallery talks will also be held during the exhibition. Event schedules and details can be found on the Nerima Art Museum's official website.


[Event Information]
50 Years After the Death of "The World of Yokoi Kozo, the Japanese Rousseau"
Venue: Nerima Art Museum
Address: 1-36-16 Nukui, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
Dates: April 17th to June 5th
Time: 10:00-18:00 (last entry at 17:30)
Admission: 800 yen for adults, 600 yen for high school and university students and those 65-74 years old, free for junior high school students and younger and those 75 years old and older (proof of age required)
Closed: Mondays