Jan. 9-Feb. 28

It is believed that ukiyo-e (floating world) woodblock prints were first created in the late 17th century by Moronobu Hishikawa (1618-94) as a way to meet the demand for ukiyo-e paintings. With prints showing the latest kimono trends, kabuki actors and the life of common people of Edo, it didn't take long for the more affordable, mass-produced version of ukiyo-e to become popular.

In commemoration of its 20th anniversary, the Chiba City Museum of Art is holding an exhibition of early ukiyo-e prints, bringing together around 200 works from museums worldwide, including pieces from the British Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Chiba City Museum of Art; 3-10-8 Chuo, Chuo-ku, Chiba. Chiba Stn. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. (Fri., Sat. till 8 p.m.) ¥1,200. Closed on every first Mon. 043-221-2311; www.ccma-net.jp