Contemporary masterpieces are shown with auspicious traditional Nihonga motifs that resonate widely, such as Mt. Fuji, cranes, plums and peonies. Also exhibited are works reflecting contemporary spirituality—solitude, sorrow, and personal reminiscence—as well as works by young artists communicating their original visions of the world that push the envelope of Nihonga.
Contemporary artists include Akira Ishii, Nobutaka Oka, Hajime Ogasawara, Yukihiko Kurihara, Masaki Sai, Shohei Takasaki, Shinzaburo Takahashi, Kazuyuki Takishita, Goro Naito, Sawato Fukui, Toshihiko Maemoto, Tetsuo Matsumoto, Masaru Matsumoto, Yuko Matsumoto, Takehiko Mori, and Kazuo Yoshizawa.

Among this showcase of folding-screen masterworks by contemporary Nihonga giants is Susumu Maki’s 12-meter-long masterpiece, Saiki Juen (Delight, Again, in the Feast of a Tree). In addition, innovative Nihonga works—reflecting Rinpa as well as surreal stylistics—are also exhibited. This presentation brings together the vital essence of top contemporary Nihonga painters who led postwar Nihonga to new heights of ingenuity. Among these master artists are Takeshi Ushio, Togyu Okumura, Matazo Kayama, Yasushi Sugiyama, Yuki Sekiguchi, Tatsuo Takayama, Shinsen Tokuoka, Kaii Higashiyama, Reiji Hiramatsu, Ikuo Hirayama, Fumiko Hori, Susumu Maki, Choji Yatani, Kyujin Yamamoto, and Yu Yoshikawa.