Born near Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Eikyu Matsuoka (1881-1938) was the youngest of eight brothers, who included well-known academics such as poet and Japanese literature researcher Michiyasu Inoue, folklorist Kunio Yanagida, and linguist Shizuo Matsuoka.

Eikyu studied nihonga (Japanese-style painting) at the Tokyo Art School (now Tokyo University of the Arts) and, after winning a place at the 1912 Bunten (an education ministry public art exhibition), his works were often shown in other Bunten shows. He also became a well-known art educator and taught artists such as Kyujin Yamamoto and Tatsuo Takayama, who later became famous painters.

Showing around 70 pieces, this exhibition traces Matsuoka's career; till May 29.

Himeji City Museum, (079) 222-2288, 68-25 Honmachi, Himeji; 20-min. walk or 6-min. bus ride from Himeji Station, JR Kobe Line. ¥1,000. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Mon. www.city.himeji.lg.jp/art.