Japanese birds-eye-view painting is a genre that is not often discussed, yet it can provide a fascinating perspective on the historical landscape of the country. Japan's mountainous regions, towns and cities from 75 to 100 years ago can be viewed from above through these panoramic paintings that present themselves as cartographic art.

Highlights include the rare collection of birds-eye-view paintings that belonged to collector Buntaro Ogawa (1884-1955), and originals of "Old Battlefields Around Mount Komaki, Aichi Prefecture" and "Saiunkaku Resort in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture," both painted by Hatsusaburo Yoshida (1884-1955); July 26-Sept. 15.

Nagoya City Museum; 1-27-1 Mizuhotori, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi. Sakurayama Stn. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. ¥600. Closed Mon., and every fourth Tue. of the month. 052-853-2655; www.museum.city.nagoya.jp