Art and Design

A hand stencil in a cave on Indonesia's Muna Island has been confirmed as the world's oldest cave art at 67,800+ years old, using laser-ablation uranium-series dating. Surpassing Spain's cave art by over 1,000 years, this discovery reshapes our understanding of early human artistic culture and migration routes to Australia.

Japan's National Archives now sells a clear file featuring "The Barbarian Woman of Utsuro-bune" - a mysterious disc-shaped vessel that allegedly washed ashore in 1803 with a foreign woman inside. Discover how this Edo-period historical document from "Kōken Zuihitsu," known globally as Japan's UFO incident, is merging Japanese mystery with pop culture.

Discover "Kawaru Haikyo Exhibition 2026" opening in Tokyo this February. Now in its 11th year, this unique photo exhibition transforms ruins into art, reflecting Japan's wabi-sabi philosophy. Features drone footage of Gunkanjima and European heritage sites, with 15 acclaimed photographers showcasing new works.

A look back at "Moving Ukiyo-e Exhibition OSAKA," which ran at Grand Front Osaka from January 17 to March 14, 2026. Over 300 prints by Hokusai, Sharaku and others were set in motion with 3DCG and projection mapping across seven immersive spaces. The tour moved on to Hiroshima in summer 2026.

On December 22, 2025, mysterious street artist Banksy's latest mural appeared in Bayswater, west London. What message lies behind the artwork depicting children pointing at the sky? Explore reactions from around the world and Japanese perspectives.