Message
In 2026, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum marks its 100th anniversary. This museum was founded on an enormous donation from Kyushu industrialist SATO Keitaro. Sato gave generously of his fortune earned in the coal industry, and in 1926, Japan’s first public art museum was born.
Besides his bequest to this museum, Sato donated much of his personal wealth to such causes as providing relief and schools for victims of poverty, improving dietary habits and rural villages, and raising the standard of women’s education so that people might “live better.” His dream was the realization of what we today call “wellbeing.” We view that spirit as the genesis of the mission Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum has been entrusted with.
On the occasion of our 2012 Grand Reopening, we set becoming “a doorway to art” as our mission.
This means building an “art community as a place for creativity and coaction” where people can encounter new values, re-examine themselves, and deepen their bonds with the world. And it means becoming “a haven for enrichment of the heart” where people engage with “art as nourishment for living.”
In the 10 or more years since, we have undertaken thought-provoking Thematic Exhibitions and Art Communication projects showcasing the diversity of human expression, so as to be a place that connects people with artworks and people with people in an ambience of creativity. But our mission is still only halfway complete.
Society in the 21st century has changed dramatically from what it was 100 years ago. Technology has made unimaginable progress, yet the world faces multiplying problems, and people are as divided as ever. Material abundance does not guarantee happiness: Something that can give us a strong foundation in life is needed.
Art, we believe, is the strong “foundation” enabling us to “live better.” Art has the power to inspire faith in humanity, light a beacon of hope, and open a world full of possibilities, even in difficult times. Doubtless, art will become increasingly indispensable to society hereafter.
We will continue to carry on Sato Keitaro’s “dream,” ever aspiring to be a “doorway to art” open to all and an art museum where everyone can truly experience art’s power as “nutrition for living.”
Logo
Since opening in 1926 as Japan’s first public art museum, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum has provided a place for artists to present their works, visitors to encounter masterpieces from Japan and around the world, and people to meet people through art.
The Museum is pleased to announce the completion of its 100th Anniversary Logo, designed by world-renowned designer YOSHIOKA Tokujin. Mr. Yoshioka, who also designed the Museum’s “Symbol / Logo” in 2011, has once again created a refined logo design from his unique aesthetic sensibilities. Hereafter, we will display this commemorative logo as we host a variety of events to liven up our 100th anniversary. Please join us.
Message from YOSHIOKA Tokujin
In 2011, I designed a logo to serve as a symbol of the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.
In my design, I employed the cubic museum building designed by MAYEKAWA Kunio in 1975 as a motif to evoke a sense of familiarity in people everywhere.
At this time, I would like to congratulate the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum on its 100th anniversary. I am highly honored to have the privilege of designing a logo commemorating such a special milestone. I sincerely hope the Museum will continue to grow and flourish as a center for art, loved and visited by people in Japan and from around the world.
YOSHIOKA Tokujin
Designer / Artist
He has won numerous international awards and been named one of the “100 Most Respected Japanese in the World” by Newsweek magazine in the United States.