From 18 to 22 March 2026,
the “Uji International Art Exchange Exhibition” will be held at Manpuku-ji, a temple designated as a National Treasure of Japan, at the foot of Mount Ōbaku, from twenty-five minutes from Kyōto.
This short filmed presentation highlights this exceptional site, which will host the artistic event and herald the arrival of spring. It also sheds light on the work of painter Shigē Tonomura, artist and curator of the exhibition, as well as his commitment to supporting and teaching visual arts to people with disabilities.
Manpuku-ji, a National Treasure of Japan
Manpuku-ji is the head temple of the Ōbaku school, the smallest of the three major Zen Buddhist schools in Japan, alongside Rinzai and Sōtō. Founded by the Chinese monk Yinyuan Longqi (known in Japanese as Ingen Ryūki, 1592–1673), the school took root when Ingen arrived in Nagasaki in 1654, invited by the local Chinese community, at the beginning of the Edo period (1603–1868).
Covering an area of approximately 30 hectares, the temple strongly preserves the architectural style of China’s Ming dynasty. The buildings are arranged symmetrically along straight axes and connected by covered corridors.
This spring, from 18 to 22 March, the site will host this major International Art Exchange Exhibition.
At the origin of the project is painter Shigē Tonomura, based in Uji.
Self-taught, he has become known for his distinctive style and vivid colours, and is active both in Japan and abroad.
He is also deeply committed to art education for people with disabilities.
In this film, Shigē Tonomura speaks about the exhibition and its purpose.
SUMMARY OF THE ARTIST’S STATEMENT
“Art is often perceived as something difficult to access.
Many people feel they are not capable of it.
But for me, art is about expressing what one carries within.
It can be freedom, sadness, or joy.
Expressing one’s emotions at a given moment and sharing them, that is the true richness of art.
For people with disabilities as well, painting and exhibiting their works creates a connection with society.
It gives them great self-confidence, and you can see their faces light up.
We have previously exhibited works by people with disabilities in Italy.
Even while wondering ‘where exactly is Italy?’, their joy and pride filled the exhibition space.
I hope these experiences become a source of confidence and joy for their future.
Manpuku-ji, which has long been a place for the transmission of culture, gastronomy and the arts, is now designated as a National Treasure of Japan.
From this emblematic site, we wish to share art and culture widely.
It is in this spirit that we decided to organise this international art exhibition in Uji, with Manpuku-ji as its starting point.”
