Shohachi Kimura (1893-1958) developed an early interest in foreign novels and other facets of Western culture. He first aspired to become a writer, but changed his mind at age 18 to pursue art and painting. Still interested in literature, however, he often contributed illustrations to novels.
He also had a talent for foreign languages, and his translations of many Western art books helped familiarize Japan's art industry with foreign aesthetics. Globally-minded as he was, Kimura is nonetheless mostly remembered for his illustrations of everyday scenes in Tokyo and his true-to-life depiction of the bourgeois life of Tokyoites; till May 19.
Tokyo Station Gallery; (03) 3212-2485; 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Tokyo Station, JR Yamanote Line. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (weekdays), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sat., Sun., holidays). ¥900. Closed Mon. (except April 29, May 6) and April 30, May 7. www.ejrcf.or.jp/gallery
