It has now been three years since the National Center for Art Research was established. During this period, the world's political, economic, and social circumstances have grown ever more complex and uncertain, and increasing attention has been drawn to the social role that art is expected to play in such conditions. The pursuit of inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability has been increasingly shifting toward a stage that requires concrete action, and art, too, is expected to take on a role in addressing these challenges. As society undergoes rapid transformation and Japan's art ecosystem advances into a new phase, the question of how Japanese art may be situated within an international context — and how its value may be transmitted to future generations — has assumed a heightened importance.
Since its inauguration, the National Center for Art Research has endeavored to forge organic links between specialized knowledge and practice across institutional boundaries, working to build the foundations that support the advancement of art in Japan. Through its activities across a wide range of domains — promoting the utilization of museum collections, aggregating and disseminating information resources on art in Japan, strengthening international outreach and building global networks, enhancing learning that contributes to addressing social issues, and fostering partnerships across diverse sectors of society as a bridge between art and society — the challenges and opportunities that will inform the Center's next phase have gradually come into view.
As I take on the role of Director, I am committed to further strengthening the foundations laid to date and to further deepening the Center's role in enabling Japanese art to sustain meaningful and enduring connections with the wider world. I intend to develop the Center's activities as a forum where dialogue and expertise converge to illuminate the social value of art and to chart the path toward the future.
I look forward to learning, reflecting, and working together with all of you as we collectively shape the future of art in Japan. I would be most grateful for your continued warmth, understanding, and support.
Tanaka Masayuki
Director
National Center for Art Research
April 1, 2026
- Director
National Center for Art Research (NCAR) - Tanaka Masayuki
Photo by INAGUCHI Shunta
Born in Tokyo in 1963, Tanaka Masayuki completed his M.A. at the University of Tokyo and subsequently studied at the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University. His expertise lies in modern and contemporary Western art.
In 1996, Tanaka joined the National Museum of Western Art, where he curated major exhibitions including Matisse (2004) and Munch (2007). After serving as Senior Curator, he moved to Musashino Art University as Associate Professor in the Faculty of Art and Design, and was promoted to Professor in 2009. From 2011, he also served as Director of the Musashino Art University Museum & Library and Head of the Research Center for Art and Design.
Since April 2021, he has been Director of the National Museum of Western Art. In July 2023, he was appointed Executive Director of the Independent Administrative Institution National Museum of Art. From April 2026, he serves as President of the National Museum of Art and Director of the National Center for Art Research, while continuing his role at the National Museum of Western Art.
His recent publications include A History of Western Art (Bijutsu Shuppan-sha, 2021) and 100 Chapters to Understand Western Painting (Heibonsha, 2022).
