The exhibition Spring Edo Painting Festival: Nagasawa Rosetsu is being held at the Fuchu Art Museum from March 14 to May 10, 2026.
”Puppies with Chrysanthemums”private collection. On view during both the first and second exhibition periods.
Rosetsu’s Puppies Come to Tokyo
Since 2005, the Fuchu Art Museum has presented its Spring Edo Painting Festival series, exploring Edo-period painting through a range of distinctive themes. The artist chosen to bring the series to its finale is the eccentric mid-Edo painter Nagasawa Rosetsu.
Nagasawa Rosetsu, “Puppy (fan painting)”, Honma Museum of Art. On view during the first exhibition period.
The dogs painted by Nagasawa Rosetsu, often referred to as Rosetsu’s puppies, remain widely beloved today, even appearing in a range of merchandise. Their irresistibly endearing expressions have a way of capturing hearts and holding on.
The museum shop also offers a selection of goods, including plush toys and pouches inspired by these iconic figures.
Image 1 : “Puppies and Nandina (part)”, private collection. On view during the first exhibition period.
Image 2 : “Boys at Play(part)”, private collection. On view during both the first and second exhibition periods.
With their simplified forms and wide, rounded eyes, these figures carry a charm that feels strikingly close to Japan’s modern mascot and character culture. The fondness for cute things may not have changed much at all from the Edo period to the present day.
Of course, the exhibition extends well beyond the dogs. Dramatic large-scale works, including powerful depictions of dragons and tigers from Muryoji Temple in Kushimoto, are also among the highlights.
“Tiger (sliding door panel)”, Muryoji Temple / Kushimoto Ōkyo Rosetsu Museum, Important Cultural Property. On view during the second exhibition period.
During the exhibition period, a major rotation of works will take place between the first and second phases. Depending on when you visit, you can encounter different works, making it worthwhile to visit more than once.
This spring, it’s well worth setting out to meet the lively creatures brought to life by Nagasawa Rosetsu.
Spring Edo Painting Festival: Nagasawa Rosetsu
Dates: March 14 (Sat) – May 10 (Sun), 2026
First Period: March 14 (Sat) – April 12 (Sun), 2026
Second Period: April 14 (Tue) – May 10 (Sun), 2026
Please note: A significant rotation of works will take place between periods.
Venue: Fuchu Art Museum
Address: 1-3 Asama-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo (within Fuchunomori Park)
Exhibition Gallery: 2F Special Exhibition Gallery
Hours: 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (open on May 4)
Admission:
Adults: ¥800 (¥640)
High school / university students: ¥400 (¥320)
Elementary / junior high school students: ¥200 (¥160)
*Discounted prices apply to groups of 20 or more.
*Free for preschool children
*Free for elementary and junior high school students residing in Fuchu with a Fuchukko Manabi Passport
*Free for visitors with a disability certificate (including Mirairo ID) and one accompanying person
*Admission includes access to the collection exhibition
*A return-visit discount ticket (half price) is included with admission (valid for one additional visit to this exhibition)
Official Website:
https://www.city.fuchu.tokyo.jp/art/tenrankai/kikakuten/2026_Rosetsu.html
