Often compared to Picasso, Francis Bacon is one of the most popular and iconic artists of the 20th century. This exhibition is the first solo show of Bacon's work to be shown in Japan in 30 years, and it commemorates the 20th anniversary of his death.

To provide visitors with an evolutionary view of how the artist approached his subjects, the exhibition's 33 works are organized in chronological order and split into three sections, each dealing with the theme of the "body." A fourth section also features paintings by artists who were influenced by the work of Bacon; till May 26.

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; (03) 5405-8686; 3-1 Kitanomaru-koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Takebashi Station, Tozai Line. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Fri. till 8 p.m.) ¥1,500. Closed Mon. (except March 25, April 1, 8, 29, May 6), May 7. www.momat.go.jp.