Special Exhibiton Celebrating 160 Years of Amity between Belgium and Japan A Journey of Artistic and Knowledge Exchanges

Kokugakuin University Museum

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Starts 5/23

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This year marks the 160th anniversary since Japan and Belgium concluded the Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation in 1866. The two countries have been influencing each other in their political systems, culture, and art while continuing to develop as modern states. To celebrate 160 years of amity, Kokugakuin University Museum is pleased to announce that it will co-host a special exhibition with KU Leuven in Belgium, one of its partner universities, with the support of the Embassy of Belgium in Japan. This exhibition introduces the history of exchanges between the two countries from both perspectives, with “beauty” and “knowledge” as its key themes. It will be presented through items from Belgian diplomatic archives, the national collection of Belgium, as well as the collection of Kokugakuin University. The exhibits include the original instrument of ratification of the Japan-Belgium Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation, which initiated the exchange, and works of decorative art presented by Emperor Meiji, which are returning to Japan for the first time. In addition, masterpieces of ukiyo-e will be presented from the collections of the Royal Museums of Art and History in Belgium and Kokugakuin University, together with works by Christian Dotremont, one of the most renowned Belgian Surrealist artists. These illustrate the mutual exchange of ideas on the subject of “beauty.” We hope visitors will explore the journey of amity between Japan and Belgium that has developed over the past 160 years.

Schedule	May 23 (Sat) 2026-Jun 28 (Sun) 2026  Opening Hours Information Hours 10:00-18:00 Closed Monday
Fee	Free
Website	https://museum.kokugakuin.ac.jp/en/special_exhibition/detail/2026_belgium160th.html
Venue	Kokugakuin University Museum http://museum.kokugakuin.ac.jp/en/
Location	Kokugakuin University, 4-10-28 Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8440 Open with a Map App
Access	10 minute walk from the New South exit of JR Shibuya Station. 15 minute walk from exit B1 at Omotesando Station on the Hanzomon, Ginza and Chiyoda lines. 15 minute walk from exit 2 at Ebisu Station on the Hibiya line.
Phone	03-5466-0359
Related images	Click on the image to enlarge it

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