“The End of the Law” Takayoshi Sakabe 2020 120×120cm
His first solo exhibition in about 30 years, "Takayoshi Sakabe: Departure," will be held from January 13, 2026. 36 new and recent works will be exhibited in two parts.
To kick off the new year, Nakajima Art (Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) will be holding a solo exhibition by painter Takayoshi Sakabe, "Takayoshi Sakabe: Departure," from Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
“The End of the Law” Takayoshi Sakabe 2020 120×120cm
Sensibility honed overseas and a view of Japan
Sakabe Takayoshi is a painter who has continued to work overseas.
The encounter began when Nakajima Art was introduced to Sakabe through a friend when Sakabe, who was active in France at the time, returned to Japan for a short visit. Deeply moved by Sakabe's work, which reflects the sensibility and spirituality honed in a foreign land, Nakajima Art set out to introduce his unique worldview to Japan.
Afterwards, he planned and held Sakabe Takayoshi's first solo exhibition in Japan at Seibu Yurakucho store.
This was the turning point that made Sakabe Takayoshi's name widely known throughout the country, and it became the foundation for his full-scale activities in Japan.
Nakajima Art held the memorable first solo exhibition since its opening in July 1995: Takayoshi Sakabe.
This exhibition will be Nakajima Art's long-awaited first solo exhibition in approximately 30 years.
Portraying life, spirit, and tranquility—a new bond forged over 30 years
Sakabe Takayoshi depicts life, spirit, and tranquility.
The expression has deepened over the years, and while maintaining its unchanging depth, it now embodies new light.
This exhibition will feature Japanese-style works that Sakabe describes as "paintings that helped me get over my slump and become more honest," as well as portraits and landscapes that he has been working on for many years. The exhibits will be rotated between the first and second halves of the exhibition, and all works will be on display and for sale.
During the event, Sakabe, who is also active as a butoh dancer, will also be holding a butoh performance.
A total of 36 works, including recent and new works from the first and second periods, will be exhibited together
"Mona Lisa" Takayoshi Sakabe, 2025, 41 x 41 cm
"Hidden" Takayoshi Sakabe, 2015, 45 x 45 cm
"Waiting for Spring" Takayoshi Sakabe, 2025, 60 x 60 cm
"Eshin" by Takayoshi Sakabe, 2025, 50 x 50 cm
"Departure" by Takayoshi Sakabe
I was 30 years old when I made my debut at the Paris FIAC Art Fair, which was a huge success with all my works sold out.
However, I became so ecstatic that I lost myself and fell into a 10-year slump.
The era of impersonation is over, it's time to live in your own world.
I started from zero.
Touching the soil was what brought me peace during my difficult days.
I worked in the garden every day.
As he became aware of his own ignorance and foolishness and became more honest, his paintings took on an increasingly Japanese style, reminiscent of works such as Nachi Falls, Fujiwara Takanobu's Taira no Shigemori, and Hasegawa Tōhaku's Pine Forest.
I was looking at my beloved Japan from afar in France.
"No genius can fully understand the depth of the classics. Understanding that depth is the first step to becoming a true genius. To pray is to be aware of the vast universe outside of one's own small self, and it is this awareness that leads the artist to the depths of the classics." – Takehara Han
Pop art and pop music should be left to the masses; it is classical music that drives the spirituality of the Earth.
Without a moment's hesitation, they prepare for death while still alive, and dance slowly and then swiftly like falling leaves.
Takayoshi Sakabe (Sakabe Takayoshi) Biography
Sakabe performing a Butoh dance (2023, photo by Toru Tsuzuki)
Born in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1953.
He studied at Nihon University College of Art and the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
He has received numerous awards in France and has exhibited at international art fairs such as FIAC and Art Basel.
It will be exhibited at the Japan International Art Festival at the Osaka-Kansai Expo site in 2025.
His works are held in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art in Paris, the French government, the Terada Collection at Tokyo Opera City, and others.
He is currently based in Paris, Istanbul and Japan.
Exhibition Overview
Exhibition Title <br /> Takayoshi Sakabe Exhibition: Departure
Period <br /> First half: January 13th (Tuesday) to January 22nd (Thursday), 2026
Second semester: January 26, 2026 (Monday) to February 4, 2026 (Wednesday)
11:00 – 18:30 *Open every day during the exhibition *Closed from January 23rd (Fri) to 25th (Sun) *Exhibitions will be changed between the first and second halves
venue
Nakajima Art 3rd and 5th floors, Abe Building, 5-5-9 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
TEL:03-3574-6008 FAX:03-3574-0057
https://www.nakajima-art.com
Admission fee <br /> Free
Number of exhibits : Approximately 36 pieces. Exhibits will be rotated between the first and second halves.
Butoh performance by Takayoshi Sakabe (planned)
During the exhibition "Takayoshi Sakabe: Departure," the artist will be holding a Butoh performance.
Title : "Galaxy" Part of the Whole
Date and Time
Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Monday, January 26, 2026
From 14:00 each day (approximately 15 minutes)
*More details will be announced on Nakajima Art's official website and official Instagram.
Nakajima Art will open for business on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
For inquiries, please contact us below.
Nakajima Art Co., Ltd. Abe Building 3F, 5-5-9 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
TEL: 03-3574-6008
FAX: 03-3574-0057
E-mail: info@nakajima-art.com
HP: http://www.nakajima-art.com
[Nakajima Art Co., Ltd.] Press Release
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