The concept behind Cool Japan fashion may go back further than you think. Shifts in fashion styles have been documented in art for centuries, and Japanese art history has much to reveal.
This exhibition explores the development of Japanese fashion — from traditional kimono to the introduction of Western-style clothing — through Edo Period (1603-1867) paintings, ukiyo-e woodblock prints and modern Japanese- and Western-style paintings. Whether the attire of warriors in drawings by Seison Maeda (1885-1977) or the designer items worn by actress Michiyo Kogure in prints by Shinsui Ito (1898-1972), the clothes, accessories and hairstyles depicted reveal much about trends in aesthetics in Japan; May 17-July 13.
Yamatane Museum of Art; 3-12-36 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Ebisu Stn. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ¥1,000. Closed Mon. 03-5777-8600; www.yamatane-museum.jp
