InsideJapan News Network

The Japanese capital of Tokyo has traditionally been seen as the centre of the country's art scene, but a major event in Kyoto is aiming to steal the limelight.

Art Fair Tokyo is the biggest international art fair in Japan, but it had to be cancelled this year as its venue, the Tokyo International Forum, was being used to house earthquake refugees, Japan Times reported.

Furthermore, the Roppongi Art Night event was cancelled as part of a drive to conserve energy.

Art Fair Kyoto is aiming to step into the creative void next week (May 20th to 22nd), including 50 participating galleries, which hope to attract thousands of visitors.

Tomio Koyama, who will be running one of the galleries, said: "It is true that there are no fancy reception parties, as there are in Tokyo, to draw people in, but because there are many art students, we often hold gallery talks for each exhibition."

Tickets to Art Fair Kyoto are on sale now for 2,000 yen (£15) each.

Written by Kimberley Homer


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