Being able to fully enjoy Japanese paintings may seem a bit daunting when its aesthetics and subjects seem so far from popular contemporary art. The Adachi Museum of Art, however, suggests that Japanese-style painting is not as different as you may think.
Humorous characters, nostalgic imagery and animal motifs are important themes of the classical genre that still appeal today.
There are cute dogs in paintings by Seiho Takeuchi and Suishou Nishiyama, and rabbits in those by Kansetsu Hashimoto, who is particularly well-known for works such as "Dogs from Europe" and "Summer Evening," both owned by the museum. Also featured are winter landscapes, such as Taikan Yokoyama's "Winter Evening"; Dec. 1-Feb. 28.
Adachi Museum of Art; 320 Furukawa-cho, Yasugi, Shimane. Yasugi Stn. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ¥2,300. 0854-28-7111; www.adachi-museum.or.jp