Highlights from the Japan collections

The Toshiba Gallery of Japanese Art showcases highlights from the V&A's internationally important collections of Japanese art and design, which we have collected since the museum was founded in 1852.

After a full redisplay and refurbishment as part of the V&A’s ongoing FuturePlan scheme the gallery was reopened in November 2015. With over 500 pieces on display including a Hello Kitty! rice cooker, toaster and kettle and an ensemble from Issey Miyake’s A/W 2015 collection, the gallery illustrates the extraordinary craftsmanship and artistic wealth of Japan from about the 6th century up to the present day.

V&A curators discuss some key objects from the collections now on display including a samurai sword and a kimono which celebrates air travel.

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