Art exhibition in Kyoto
Hakuin's Zen — A Studio Ghibli Exhibition in Kyoto
An exhibition about Zen master Hakuin Ekaku, planned and produced by Studio Ghibli. Discover Edo-period Zen paintings alongside video presentations.
- Dates
- Dec 17 (Thu) – Jan 11 (Mon)
- Hours
- 10:00 – 18:00
- Venue
- Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Higashiyama Cube
- Nearest station
- Higashiyama
- Admission
- Adults and university students ¥1,700; junior and senior high school students ¥1,100; elementary school students ¥700; preschool children free
About this event
What if the Edo-period Zen monk Hakuin Ekaku had used animation to share his teachings? This question inspired an exhibition produced by Studio Ghibli. Hakuin, an influential Rinzai Zen monk, communicated Buddhist ideas through paintings and calligraphy. The exhibition presents his work alongside video content that reinterprets its messages for contemporary audiences. It connects traditional religious art with modern visual storytelling.
Highlights
- Exhibition produced by Studio Ghibli
- Paintings and calligraphy by Hakuin Ekaku
- Zen imagery reinterpreted through video
- Discover Hakuin's Lotus Pond Kannon
- Good for
- For fans of Studio Ghibli, Japanese Zen and Edo-period art.
Good to know before you go
- Last admission is at 17:30.
- Students other than elementary school pupils must show student ID for discounted admission.
- Advance tickets and group discounts for 20 or more people are available.
- Visitors with qualifying disability certificates and one accompanying caregiver receive free admission.
Pochikichi's story cornerWhat might an Edo-period Zen monk have animated?
Hakuin Ekaku was a Rinzai Zen monk of the Edo period. He created numerous paintings and works of calligraphy to communicate Zen teachings and became known as a major reviver of the Rinzai tradition.
Studio Ghibli's exhibition begins with the idea that Hakuin might have used animation had he lived in modern times. His original works are displayed alongside video content expressing their messages in contemporary visual form.
The exhibition follows Zen and Ghibli, which introduced Zen through Studio Ghibli's work. Together, they invite visitors to consider how art communicates ideas across different eras and media. That is why Hakuin's paintings and their modern video interpretations deserve to be seen side by side.
Sources: Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art Official Exhibition Guide (Japanese)
FAQ
- What is Hakuin's Zen — A Studio Ghibli Exhibition in Kyoto?
- What if the Edo-period Zen monk Hakuin Ekaku had used animation to share his teachings? This question inspired an exhibition produced by Studio Ghibli. Hakuin, an influential Rinzai Zen monk, communicated Buddhist ideas through paintings and calligraphy. The exhibition presents his work alongside video content that reinterprets its messages for contemporary audiences. It connects traditional religious art with modern visual storytelling.
- When is Hakuin's Zen — A Studio Ghibli Exhibition in Kyoto?
- From Dec 17 (Thu) to Jan 11 (Mon), 2027.
- What are the opening hours?
- 10:00 – 18:00
- How much does it cost?
- Adults and university students ¥1,700; junior and senior high school students ¥1,100; elementary school students ¥700; preschool children free
- Where is it and what is the nearest station?
- Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Higashiyama Cube. The nearest station is Higashiyama.