As the largest art fair in Japan and the oldest in Asia, ART FAIR TOKYO continues to bring together commercial art galleries and art dealers from across Japan and the rest of the world. The fair features a wide range of art, from antiques and crafts to nihonga painting, modern art, and contemporary art. ART FAIR TOKYO continues to be a place for artists, curators, and collectors to collaborate, network, and exchange ideas and inspiration.
As a leading force in the Japanese art market, ART FAIR TOKYO targets established and new generations of global and local dealers and collectors to take note of the wide range of art represented. Due to the fair's unique presence in the market, galleries benefit from having a different segment of the global art scene view their pieces.
As the fair continues to evolve and expand as a platform for the art market, we are excited about its future. ART FAIR TOKYO endeavors to develop meaningful connections between past and present, Asia and the West, as well as presenting historically inspired artistic contexts.
Art Fair Tokyo is based around three core exhibitions: Galleries, Crossing, and Projects.
Galleries B2F Hall E
Galleries is ART FAIR TOKYO’s main section and brings together the very best in contemporary and historical artworks from prominent Japanese and international galleries. From contemporary art masterpieces to ancient Japanese earthenware and Edo-era woodblocks, our galleries will take you on a journey through time and space as you encounter elite artwork from across the globe. You’re certain to find something here that suits your tastes. Galleries is located in two areas: B2 Hall E and B1 Lobby Gallery.
Crossing B1F Robby gallery
Crossing is specially curated by both art institutions and alternative spaces, and is where the bleeding edge of the ultra-modern art scene bumps into the storied cultures and traditions of regional arts and crafts bodies. Explore Japanese culture through the lenses of tradition and modernity and experience the diverse and intersecting aesthetics and values on show. Exhibitions on display here include booths organized by art institutions and alternative spaces that play a significant role in the Japanese art scene.
Projects
Projects showcases solo shows from upcoming and emerging Japanese artists. In this section, artists, specially curated by top galleries, have been invited to show their talents within a 5m2 booth, offering their own unique and condensed vision of the world. A perfect opportunity to discover the depths of the Japanese art scene.
Looking at the history of ART FAIR TOKYO is as important to understanding its present and future in the worldwide art scene. The fair's origins date back to 1992's Nippon International Contemporary Art Fair (NICAF). It started in Pacifico Yokohama as Asia's first major contemporary art fair. Unfortunately, at the time, NICAF struggled in Japan's bleak economic climate. This caused it to be held for the eighth and final time in 2003.
Thankfully 2005 was an eventful year and saw the relaunch of NICAF as ART FAIR TOKYO. At its annual venue of Tokyo International Forum, the fair includes exhibits presented by a uniquely broad range of galleries and dealers, encompassing everything from antiques to contemporary art.
The art world received this relaunch with open arms allowing ART FAIR TOKYO to expand the venue to 5,000 square meters in 2012. That year the fair had an astounding 50,000 visitors.
In 2016 ART FAIR TOKYO changed its organizational structure to expand beyond the art market and encompass art as a concept in various fields.
ART FAIR TOKYO 2022
Dates: March 10,2022 – March 13,2022
Venue: Tokyo International Forum, Hall E and Lobby Gallery
Number of participant/collaborating galleries:150
ART FAIR TOKYO 2019
Dates: March 7,2019 – March 10,2019
Venue: Tokyo International Forum, Hall E and Lobby Gallery
Number of participant/collaborating galleries:160
ART FAIR TOKYO 2016
Dates: May 11,2016 – May 14,2016
Venue: Tokyo International Forum, Hall E and Lobby Gallery
Number of participant/collaborating galleries:157
ART FAIR TOKYO 2013
Dates: March 22,2013 – March 24,2013
Venue: Tokyo International Forum, B2F Exhibition Hall
Number of participant/collaborating galleries:176
