On January 21, 2026, the Japan Society was delighted to bring the community to a special preview talk at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) for the upcoming exhibition Shokkan: Material Encounters in Japanese Art, opening April 4 and running through September 7.

Curator Dr. Akiko Takesue presented her groundbreaking research on the Japanese concept of touch (shokkan) and how it shapes the creation, appreciation, and global circulation of Japanese art. Guests also heard remarks highlighting ROM’s more than 100-year commitment to Japanese art and culture, and enjoyed an in-depth introduction to the exhibition’s innovative multi-sensory approach, including tactile stations that will allow visitors to engage with textures of ceramics, textiles, and other objects.

We are grateful to some of our members for joining this special evening, and
Mr. Stephen Bowman and Ms. Deanna Horton for their continued collaboration in strengthening cultural and business ties through ROM.

The Japan Society extends its sincere thanks to the ROM for its warm hospitality in hosting our executives and for its continued dedication to presenting Japanese art in ways that are meaningful, inclusive, and deeply human.