On the heels of the Yayoi Kusuma exhibition closing, Australia’s most popular gallery opens a new celebration of Japanese culture, showcasing the iconic Japanese silk garment.
The Kimono exhibition at NGV opens on June 4 and closes on October 5, 2025. Image: NGV
The word kimono, translated as ‘thing to wear,’ has been used since the mid-20th century, according to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV.)
The iconic Japanese garment itself, however, originated more than 1000 years ago.
“Kimono – and the timeless sense of style they embody – are true icons of global fashion culture and an instantly recognisable symbol of Japan,” says Tony Ellwood, the director of the NGV.
Ellwood is overseeing the NGV’s latest immersion into the storied Japanese culture, 6 weeks after its record-breaking Yayoi Kusuma exhibition came to a close
“Featuring exquisite, hand-crafted kimono worn by Japanese shogun, samurai, merchants and stage performers, this exhibition narrates the garment’s rich history with sophistication and flare through more than 60 works from the NGV Collection, bringing this area of our holdings together for the very first time,” says Elwood.
As well as 30 never-seen-before kimono, the exhibition includes more than 150 paintings, wood block prints, and decorative arts.
The work of artisans Hiroko Takahashi, Jotaro Saito, Rumi Rock, Robe Japonica will be showcased, as well as that of contemporary designers Issey Miyake, Alexander McQueen, Yohji Yamamoto, John Galliano, and Comme des Garçon.
NGV is also offering a four-week in-person course called Art & The World: Japan for Melburnians to take a deep dive into Japanese social, political and cultural history.
“For centuries, Japan has been a powerhouse of cultural influence. Deeply rooted in culture, ceremony and meticulously-honed artisan skills, and with a history of tradition intersecting with radicalism and reinvention, Japanese culture is as diverse as it is inimitable, having long inspiring artists, designers, trade and society well beyond the country’s own borders,” the course description reads.
The Australian fascination with Japanese culture runs deep, according to academic researchers. Dr Jun Ohashi is a professor at the University of Melbourne. He and Hiroko Ohashi, a lecturer in Japanese studies at RMIT, published a paper in 2023 titled ‘What motivates Japanese language learners in Australia and beyond?’
Their research reveals that Japanese anime, manga, fashion, music, history, literature and art are motivating forces in wanting to understand the culture further.
“Japanese language has been one of the most popular languages other than English in Australian universities in the last three decades and many learners have been introduced to Japanese popular culture, most notably, anime, they appreciate new ways of knowing about themselves and others,” the paper states.
That fascination with the Japanese way of life extends beyond universities and into the cultural institutions.
“Kimono is set to attract visitors from near and far to Melbourne, providing a boost to our economy and yet another reason to visit Australia’s most popular gallery,” says Colin Brooks, Victoria’s Minister for Creative Industries.
The new exhibition runs from 4 June to 5 October. Tickets cost $25 for non-members and are free for NGV members.
It is not the only drawcard to the museum over the next four months. NGV also announced a winter exhibition of French Impressionism featuring Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Sisley.
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