Interview with Ryosuke Yoshimura, Representative Director of Simose Art Museum
Launching with a Vision of Accessibility and Warmth
Ryosuke Yoshimura, Representative Director of Simose Art Museum
HYAKKEI: “We are truly honored to have this opportunity to speak with you. Could you kindly introduce the Simose Art Museum and share the vision behind hosting this contemporary art exhibition?”
Ryosuke Yoshimura: “The works shown at Simose Art Museum come from the private collection of Yumiko and Shizuko Simose—the mother and daughter behind our parent company, Marui Sangyo. The museum began with the aim of exhibiting their collection, which includes Japanese and Western modern paintings and decorative arts, such as Kyoto dolls, pieces by Emile Gallé, Matazo Kayama, and Matisse.
From the beginning, our concept was to create a museum that feels friendly and intuitive. Too often, museums can seem overly didactic or intimidating, which makes for a tiring experience.
At Simose, we want visitors to enjoy art naturally. One moment you’re viewing Emile Gallé, and the next you’re in a movable gallery with modern paintings or Kyoto dolls. By actively rotating historical and contemporary works, we aim to create a museum that feels like an artistic amusement park—fluid, approachable, and full of discovery.”
A Contemporary Art Exhibition as a Challenge for Simose
“Ambient, Environment, Circumstances – The Topography of Contemporary Art”
Ryosuke Yoshimura: “Hosting an exhibition exclusively featuring young artists was indeed a challenge for Simose Art Museum. Initially, I was not in favor of exhibitions planned by young curators, as our image has been that of an approachable museum.
However, Marui Sangyo, our parent company, is a building materials firm that has always thrived on a spirit of ‘challenge.’ We wanted to reflect that spirit in the museum. So, with a mindset of ‘Let’s take the plunge!’ we embarked on this exhibition.”
Discovering Simose's Potential Through Visitor Feedback
Ryosuke Yoshimura: “This exhibition represents an exploration of uncharted possibilities. Therefore, we ask our visitors, ‘Please tell us how you felt about the works.’ There may be values that we alone cannot measure.
We are conducting surveys with young visitors to hear their detailed reactions. Empathy is crucial. Understanding how young people feel about young artists’ works is important. If an artist receives favorable feedback, we might continue to exhibit their works. We aim to uncover new needs and remain a museum that visitors want to return to.”
Interview with Kisei Takahashi, Board Director and Producer of Simose Art Museum
A Producer's Mission: Taking Responsibility Through Results
Kisei Takahashi, Board Director and Producer of Simose Art Museum
HYAKKEI: “Thank you very much for this valuable opportunity. As you prepared for this exhibition, could you tell us about the aspects you focused on most, and share your vision for the future?”
Kisei Takahashi: “As a Board Director overseeing the museum’s exhibition policies and as a Producer directing planning, operations, and branding, my mission for this exhibition, ‘Ambient, Environment, Circumstances – The Topography of Contemporary Art’ was to balance rigorous critical context with the commercial imperative of attracting visitors.
It’s commonly said that contemporary art struggles to draw crowds, and I was aware that regional museums often face challenges. After interviewing several passionate young curators—taking Hiroshima’s regional character into account—I selected a team I believed in.After presenting them to the board, we meticulously developed our PR strategy from the planning stage.
For us, PR literally means Public Relations—building an enduring dialogue with society, not mere promotion.
Within the first ten days we welcomed more than 10,000 visitors—an extraordinary figure for a contemporary-art show in a regional setting.As someone responsible for results, I believe I have fulfilled the fundamental responsibility entrusted to me.”
The Challenge of Creating Engaging Exhibitions While Enhancing the Museum's Value
The exhibition has drawn an unusually large audience for a contemporary art show.
Kisei Takahashi: “However, the value of an art exhibition cannot be measured solely by attendance or revenue. Contemporary art is built upon historical and critical contexts, and without a clear trajectory, the significance of an exhibition diminishes. Relying solely on topicality won’t enhance Simose Art Museum’s reputation.
To realize Representative Director Yoshimura’s vision of ‘pioneering new possibilities for Simose Art Museum,’ taking on contemporary art was essential. Achieving success in terms of visitor numbers was a significant mission entrusted to me.”
Creating Opportunities for Developing Japanese Curators
Kisei Takahashi: “In Japan’s contemporary art scene, the environment for nurturing curators who can navigate both planning and practical aspects is still insufficient. Without profitability, it is difficult to secure funding. While approaches vary by museum and project, I believed that because they are young, we should provide ample budgets to help them realize their visions. As a result, the budget ended up being twice what we initially expected.
This exhibition is just the beginning. We intend this exhibition to become an annual gateway where emerging curators gain hands-on experience.If we achieve results in terms of visitor numbers, I believe museums across the country will be more inclined to plan contemporary art exhibitions. In that sense, achieving success on the commercial front holds significant meaning.”
Interview with Mario Cristiani (Owner of Galleria Continua) and Stefano Pesce (Advisor of the Mark Tobey Committee CMT)
From left to right: Stefano Pesce, Mario Cristiani
Simose Art Museum has become a destination for art professionals from abroad. While specific names are withheld, directors and curators from major European museums, directors of mega galleries, and top 200 global collectors have visited and stayed at nearby villas, making the area a focal point of international attention.
During our stay, we had the fortunate opportunity to speak with European art industry specialists.
HYAKKEI: “Thank you for taking the time for this interview. Could you share your impressions of Simose Art Museum and your thoughts on the role of art?”
Mario Cristiani: “Simose Art Museum is flanked on the left by Itsukushima Shrine and the revered island of Miyajima, and on the right by industrial complexes built during Japan’s miraculous post-war reconstruction. The museum’s architecture, set against a striking landscape where faith and industry, serenity and vitality, permanence and flux coexist, offers a profoundly moving experience. I don’t think there’s another museum like this anywhere.
Art is essential in the cities where we live. In today’s world, where globalization and industrialization are advancing, the sensibilities of artists with an international perspective are extremely important. The arrogance of those in power is causing global turmoil, and it’s precisely now that the freedom of artistic expression and the ability to envision a new future are crucial.
Art has the power to convey the importance of respecting the fragility of life. To prevent repeating past destruction, we’re planning international projects in Hiroshima.”
Stefano Pesce: “Simose Art Museum is an exceptionally evocative space. I believe museums should be at the heart of the thoughts and minds of the people who live there. Simose Art Museum embodies that ideal.
I serve as a bridge between artists and museums. From that perspective, Simose Art Museum is very intriguing and appealing. This is my second visit, and when I arrived, I felt, ‘I’m home!’ Attractive spaces need compelling works to enrich them, and I’m looking forward to future exhibitions.”
HYAKKEI Editorial Note
The contemporary art exhibition “Ambient, Environment, Circumstances – The Topography of Contemporary Art”, presented as a bold new chapter for the Simose Art Museum, stands as a significant moment in the museum’s evolution. We were honored to speak with the museum’s Representative Director and Producer, as well as leading figures from the international art world and visionary emerging curators who had gathered in this remarkable location.
In an era marked by deepening global uncertainty, their courage to confront chaos and imagine hope through the power of art resonated deeply. The unwavering conviction and passion that transcended national boundaries wove a shared thread through the global art scene. That this fortunate convergence occurred at the Simose Art Museum—poised between land and sea in Setouchi, between postwar Japan and contemporary architecture—felt not only symbolic, but inevitable.
We are sincerely grateful for the chance to witness and participate in this moment. And we hope that many will come to experience “Ambient, Environment, Circumstances”, an exhibition that may one day be remembered as the beginning of a new chapter in the story of contemporary art.
Exhibition Information
Title:
Ambient, Environment, Circumstances – The Topography of Contemporary Art
Days Closed:
Every Monday (except public holidays)
Opening Hours
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission Fee:
General: ￥2,000(￥1,800)
High School and University Students: ￥1,000 (￥800)
Junior High School and Under: Free
* Price in parentheses ( ) for groups of 20 or more.
* Free admission for those who present a disability certificate plus one companion
Organizers:
Simose Art Museum / Chugoku Shimbun
