Opening Saturday 14 October 2023, Japan: Myths to Manga marks the beginning of a new programme of exhibitions dedicated to inspiring young minds and families through art, design, and performance.

Japan: Myths to Manga will take visitors on a journey through Japan, exploring how popular stories have shaped art, design, and technology across the centuries. Divided into four sections – Sky, Sea, Forest, and City – the exhibition brings together over 150 historic and contemporary objects. From visual art, animation and origami to curious creatures, robots, fashion, film, and photography, Japan: Myths to Manga celebrates the spirit of playfulness and imagination that lies at the heart of Japanese culture. New acquisitions and rarely seen works from across the V&A’s collections will be brought together with important loans and reimagined for young people and their families, while an exciting selection of hands-on activities are set to spark creativity and imagination among visitors of all ages.

Japan has produced some of the world’s most exceptional art and design. Japan: Myths to Manga will feature works by celebrated 19th century Japanese artists, such as Hiroshige, Hokusai, Kunisada and Kuniyoshi alongside precious kimono and netsuke. The exhibition will explore how Pokémon, Studio Ghibli and the timeless yōkai manga of Shigeru Mizuki have drawn inspiration from Japan’s folktales to create some of popular culture’s most beloved characters. It will also show how these myths and the values they embody continue to inspire generations of artists and designers including Keita Miyazaki, Mariko Kusumoto, Noritaka Tatehana, and Yuken Teruya. A poignant installation of 1,000 paper cranes, a symbol of remembrance from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Japan will also be on display.

An exhibition pass costs £10 per person, giving a chance to book repeat visits to the exhibition throughout its run at no extra cost.  Under 4s go free, with further concessions available.