The International Council Explores Japan

Every year, the International Council of the Louvre, AFL’s premier membership program, travels to far-reaching destinations in support of the Louvre’s mission. This year, members from cities as diverse as Los Angeles, Chicago, Paris, Mexico City, and Barcelona journeyed to Japan—the first time the group has visited the country. Over ten days, members explored the best of Japan, from ancient artistic traditions to contemporary art and design, complemented by its remarkable cuisine.

The journey began in Tokyo, where the group had the rare privilege of visiting the private inner grounds of the Imperial Palace, including the equestrian center and the Music Department of the Imperial Household, where the group learned about gagaku: imperial Japanese court music.

Members also visited the Mori Art Museum to explore a major exhibition tracing the architectural career of Sou Fujimoto—recently named a finalist for the Louvre’s ambitious Nouvelle Renaissance project. They also discovered traditional Japanese art forms, including the ceramics of Tomonari Hashimoto and Keita Matsunaga; tankin (hammered metalwork) in a meeting with Living National Treasure, Osumi Yukie; and lacquerware during a visit with Tomoya Murose.

Traveling south via the Shinkansen Bullet Train, the Council experienced a blend of ancient and contemporary culture in Kyoto and Osaka, visiting Shinto and Buddhist temples as well as modern institutions like the Fukuda Art Museum, Kyocera Museum, and Nakanoshima Museum of Art. In Kyoto, guests enjoyed a serene, private morning at Kodaiji-Entokuin Temple. While there, the group was guided by Akiko Noda through her exhibition of stunning glass works that were installed throughout the Buddhist temple. Members also had the rare opportunity to visit Expo Osaka 2025 during its final weekend, highlighted by private access to the Women’s Pavilion, a collaboration with Cartier.

The journey concluded on the island of Naoshima, where members immersed themselves in the minimalist and striking architecture of Tadao Ando. Highlights included visits to the Lee Ufan Museum, Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery, and the newly opened—and appropriately named—Naoshima New Museum of Art. And of course, no trip to Naoshima would be complete without enjoying Yayoi Kusama’s iconic Pumpkin as well as her Narcissus Garden. 

The island offered a serene and contemplative finale to a jam-packed exploration of Japan. Next up, the International Council will join the Chairman’s Circle in southern California in mid-March followed by Paris and Normandy in mid-June!