From October 24th to December 14th, Nijo Castle, a former imperial villa, will host "Kyoto World Heritage Site 20th Anniversary Art Aquarium Castle ~Kyoto, Dance of the Goldfish~." This year marks the 20th anniversary of Nijo Castle's World Heritage Site registration, a major milestone for the castle, boasting over 400 years of history. To mark this memorable year, the exhibition, produced by art aquarium artist Hidetomo Kimura, aims to provide an opportunity to rediscover Japanese beauty. Under the theme of "Revitalizing and Promoting REAL JAPAN," the exhibition attempts to fuse and elevate historical and contemporary art. This will be the first outdoor art exhibition at Nijo Castle, utilizing water, centered around the Ninomaru Palace courtyard, which is closed to the public. It will also be the largest Art Aquarium exhibition to date, marking the first time that artworks will be exhibited outdoors. The venue will feature a variety of works, including the Art Aquarium's signature giant goldfish bowl "Oiran" and the "Kimonorium" featuring Kyoto Yuzen dyeing. The cherry blossom-themed "Edo Sakura Renaissance" exhibit will also feature kimono and Edo Kiriko glass pieces, redesigned for autumn. Goldfish and Nishikigoi gracefully swim against the majestic atmosphere of Nijo Castle, complemented by crafts and kimono, the pinnacle of Japanese beauty. The venue's kitchen garden will also feature the "Night Festival Bar," where visitors can enjoy Kyoto's local sake and pickles, and the "Tea Ceremony," where visitors can enjoy Kyoto matcha and traditional Japanese sweets. The venue's lantern-lit space will create a charming atmosphere. A special stage will also be set up to showcase traditional performing arts and Kyoto's precious traditional crafts, including kimonos and obi. A press conference will be held on the 25th with Kimura and Kyoto Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa. Kimura commented, "I am deeply touched by the generosity of Kyoto, which has recognized and embraced my work. As the saying goes, 'Seeking the old to discover the new,' I hope to create something new that will become a symbol of Japanese beauty." Additionally, special guest Aya Ueto appeared at the event, wearing Kimura's "Suichu Shiki Goshodoki" (Underwater Four Seasons Gosho-doki) kimono. Dyed in purple and light blue and featuring hand-embroidered goldfish and chrysanthemums, the kimono incorporates traditional Kyoto dyeing techniques such as "Okeshibori," "Kyoto Yuzen," and "Kyoto Stitching." Ueto commented, "I'm so happy to hear that someone designed it for me. I'm really looking forward to the exhibition, and I've already emailed my friends to invite them."


[Event Information]
Kyoto World Heritage Site 20th Anniversary Art Aquarium Castle ~Kyoto Goldfish Dance~
Venue: Former Imperial Palace Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace courtyard, kitchen front garden, kitchen)
Address: 541 Nijojo-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Period: October 24th to December 14th
Time: 17:00 to 22:00 (last admission 21:30)
*Only on the first day, from 19:00 to 22:00
Admission Fee: Adults 1,500 yen, elementary school students and younger 1,000 yen, children under 3 years old free