Artists have added text to artworks for centuries, usually as a way to enhance or explain a concept. Tadanori Yokoo, however, combines painting and words in ways that often have no purpose at all. Sometimes, lettering is chosen for purely aesthetic purposes — to amplify the visual impact of the work; other times it becomes a medium with which Yokoo unleashes repressed inner thoughts.

Highlighting the different approaches Yokoo took for commercial and artistic works, this exhibition brings together his advertising poster designs and other pieces; March 2-June 30.

Yokoo Tadanori Museum of Contemporary Art; (078) 855-5602; 3-8-30 Harada-dori, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo; Ojikoen Station, Kobe Line. 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (Fri., Sat. till 8:00 p.m.). ¥800. Closed Mon. (except April 29, May 6), April 30, May 7. www.ytmoca.jp.