Art exhibition in Kyoto

Naonori Yago Graphic Exhibition: Pangraphics at Higashi Honganji Temple

A graphic design exhibition by Naonori Yago held at Higashi Honganji's Grand Entrance, built in 1867. Highlights include a large folding screen depicting the Usuzumi cherry tree and a new work inspired by Kyoto's autumn foliage.

Dates

Nov 1 (Sun) – Nov 8 (Sun)

Hours

10:00 – 16:00

Venue

Higashi Honganji Temple, Grand Entrance

Nearest station

Gojo

Admission

Free admission

About this event

Contemporary graphic design takes center stage inside a nationally designated Important Cultural Property built in 1867. Held in the Grand Entrance Hall of Higashi Honganji Temple, this exhibition brings art director Naonori Yago into dialogue with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Using folding screens, hanging scrolls, kimono, and hand fans, Yago reexamines what graphic design can be. Highlights include a large folding screen depicting the Usuzumi cherry tree associated with novelist Chiyo Uno, alongside new works inspired by Kyoto's autumn leaves. Japanese painting techniques, including gold decoration and mineral pigments, are woven into the designs. It is a rare encounter between historic religious architecture and contemporary visual expression.

Highlights

• The exhibition takes place in Higashi Honganji's Grand Entrance Hall, built in 1867
• A large folding screen inspired by the Usuzumi cherry tree associated with novelist Chiyo Uno
• New works featuring the autumn foliage of Kyoto
• Creative collaborations involving folding screens, hanging scrolls, kimono, and hand fans

Good for

For visitors interested in contemporary graphic design, Japanese painting, folding screens, and historic architecture.

Good to know before you go

• Admission is free.
• Last admission is at 3:30 PM.
• This is a limited-time exhibition held in the Grand Entrance Hall, rather than a regular temple visit.

Pochikichi's story corner

Why Has Higashi Honganji's Grand Entrance Become an Art Venue?

Higashi Honganji is the head temple of the Shinshu Otani-ha branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Its Grand Entrance Hall was built in 1867 and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, giving it considerable historical and architectural significance.

The hall is not an ordinary exhibition space that regularly hosts all kinds of art shows. It has been used for selected cultural projects, and Naonori Yago is described as the first graphic designer to hold a solo exhibition in this historic setting.

Drawing on traditional Japanese forms such as folding screens, hanging scrolls, kimono, and hand fans, Yago explores new possibilities for graphic design. His works incorporate gold decoration reminiscent of the Rinpa school of Japanese art, as well as mineral pigments used in traditional painting.

Contemporary design can look very different when encountered within a centuries-old building. At Higashi Honganji's Grand Entrance Hall, take time to observe not only the artworks but also how they interact with the surrounding historic architecture.

Sources: Kyoto City Official Travel Guide — Kyoto Tourism Navi (Japanese)

Long ago, around here

What Was Higashi Honganji's Grand Entrance Hall Used for in the Past?

Higashi Honganji's Grand Entrance Hall was constructed in 1867, during the final years of Japan's Edo period. Today, the building is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. As a structure associated with the temple's entrance, it preserves an important part of Higashi Honganji's history as a religious institution.

In modern times, the hall has occasionally been used for selected cultural projects. For Naonori Yago's exhibition, the historic interior becomes a setting for folding screens, hanging scrolls, and graphic works. Traditional Japanese artistic forms and contemporary design meet within the same architectural space.

When visiting Higashi Honganji, look closely at the Grand Entrance Hall itself and consider the architectural history preserved in this building dating from 1867.

Sources: Kyoto City Official Travel Guide — Kyoto Tourism Navi (Japanese)

FAQ

What is Naonori Yago Graphic Exhibition: Pangraphics at Higashi Honganji Temple?

Contemporary graphic design takes center stage inside a nationally designated Important Cultural Property built in 1867. Held in the Grand Entrance Hall of Higashi Honganji Temple, this exhibition brings art director Naonori Yago into dialogue with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Using folding screens, hanging scrolls, kimono, and hand fans, Yago reexamines what graphic design can be. Highlights include a large folding screen depicting the Usuzumi cherry tree associated with novelist Chiyo Uno, alongside new works inspired by Kyoto's autumn leaves. Japanese painting techniques, including gold decoration and mineral pigments, are woven into the designs. It is a rare encounter between historic religious architecture and contemporary visual expression.

When is Naonori Yago Graphic Exhibition: Pangraphics at Higashi Honganji Temple?

From Nov 1 (Sun) to Nov 8 (Sun), 2026.

What are the opening hours?

10:00 – 16:00

How much does it cost?

Free admission

Where is it and what is the nearest station?

Higashi Honganji Temple, Grand Entrance. The nearest station is Gojo.

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