Four Itchy Feet

August 27, 2025. Osaka, Japan.

Today we visited Osaka, Japan. There is so much to see and do here, but since we will be reunited soon for a longer stay and the summer heat was nearly unbearable, we decided to focus on indoor activities.

We visited the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka, a strikingly modern building that only opened in 2022. The museum’s sleek black cube exterior has quickly become a landmark in the city, and inside it houses a wide collection of modern and contemporary works by both Japanese and international artists.

We began with a temporary exhibition entitled “Hiromi Tsuchida: Hiroshima Collection, Summer 1945.” This powerful display featured photographs of personal artifacts left behind by victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Everyday items—shoes, school satchels, children’s toys—were shown with stories of the people who once owned them. The photographs were haunting, and the accompanying narratives offered profound insight into the human suffering of that fateful day.

From there, we moved into the museum’s main building, where we were greeted by Ship’s, the museum’s beloved mascot cat (immortalized in sculpture and merchandise, though not a real cat). After a quick photo, we visited the special exhibition “Rich Veins of Japanese Art: Mining for Hidden Treasures.” This beautifully curated collection showcased important Japanese works from the Edo period through the modern era, many of which had been recently rediscovered in private collections. Highlights included folding screens, woodblock prints, and Buddhist art, all presented with thoughtful explanations.

We used the English audio guide, which added greatly to our understanding and appreciation of the works. Admission to both exhibits was less than $10 USD—a true bargain considering the depth of art and historical context on display.

One thing I noticed, as with many places in Japan, is that there is a very orderly way to experience the exhibits: visitors walk to the right, spend a respectful amount of time at each piece, and patiently wait their turn if something ahead captures attention. No rushing, no cutting ahead—just a quiet, shared appreciation of the art.

We left feeling deeply moved and grateful for the opportunity to experience such rare and meaningful works. Osaka has many more museums to discover, and we definitely plan to return for more.