Minister of Culture’s Visit to Japan: Landmark Čiurlionis Exhibition
Minister of Culture Vaida Aleknavičienė paid a working visit to Tokyo from 25 to 28 March, marking a significant milestone in Lithuania–Japan cultural relations with the opening of a landmark exhibition of M. K. Čiurlionis’ work. The exhibition— the first major retrospective of the Lithuanian artist in Japan in over three decades—became the central highlight of the visit and a clear indicator of intensifying bilateral cultural engagement.
The exhibition “Čiurlionis. Inner Star Map,” four years in the making, opened at the National Museum of Western Art, one of Japan’s leading institutions for modern art. It was realized through the sustained efforts of Lithuanian cultural attaché in Japan Gabija Čepulionytė and a team of professionals from the M. K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum. The exhibition presents 80 works—prints, paintings, and musical manuscripts—with the iconic painting “Rex” attracting particular attention from both visitors and the media.
The retrospective is accompanied by the programme “Čiurlionis in Japan”, extending the exhibition’s impact beyond the museum.
Summarising the visit, Minister Aleknavičienė stated:
“This visit, and this exceptional exhibition, clearly demonstrate the growing strength of our cultural partnership with Japan. We see genuine interest in Lithuanian culture, art, and historical experience. Culture speaks a universal language, it connects societies, fosters open dialogue, and creates new opportunities for our artists. Ambitious initiatives such as this build lasting bridges and ensure that Lithuania’s voice is heard on the global stage.”
Last updated: 31-03-2026