Japanese art of the 1940s is usually divided into that of pre-World War II, wartime and post-war works. Here, however, the modern art museums of Kamakura and Hayama are, for the first time, presenting their 1940s works collectively as products of the entire decade. The show aims to reveal the rich artistic creativity that existed during that time, as well as chart seminal developments in Japan's modernism.
Highlights include Taikan Yokoyama's painting "Spirit of Japan" (1940) and four panels from Iri and Toshi Maruki's "The Hiroshima Panels" (1950). Other artists featured include Kanemon Asai, Tsuguharu Fujita, Shunsuke Matsumoto, Hoshun Yamaguchi, Ken Domon, and Kikuji Yamashita; July 6-Oct. 14.
The Museum of Modern Art, Hayama; 046-875-2800; 2208-1, Isshiki, Hayama-machi, Miura-gun, Kanagawa; Zushi Station, JR Yokosuka Line. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. ¥1,000. Closed Mon. (except July 15, Sept. 16, 23, Oct. 14). www.moma.pref.kanagawa.jp