If you’re looking for some Japanese art inspiration, I think you’ll enjoy this little collection.
When I was in Japan, I kept finding myself stopping every few minutes to take photos. Sometimes it was inside museums and galleries, but just as often it was on a random street corner, or in the middle of a temple courtyard, or even hidden away on the sliding doors of a tiny café.
There’s this feeling in Japan that art isn’t something you just go to see, it’s everywhere, woven into everyday life, and I loved that.
I’ve pulled together all my favourite pieces from the trip so they live in one place. It’s part travel diary, part moodboard, and a bit of a love letter to Japanese art. You can scroll through it slowly with a cup of tea or just dip in and out whenever you need some fresh inspiration.
What do I love about Japanese art?
Honestly, it feels like a reset for my eyes. Back home in London, I see a lot of the same style of art again and again, stern portraits of noblemen, endless battle scenes, religious icons – which can start to blur together after a while. Japanese art surprised me at every turn. Even the really old pieces felt alive, as though they’d been waiting for someone to look at them again.
I loved the variety of subjects too. Instead of just kings or aristocrats, I saw paintings and prints of street performers, merchants, farmers, and families. Some of them were playful and mischievous, full of humour, while others were incredibly delicate and serene. It felt like stepping into someone else’s world – one where everyone, from fishermen to geishas to mythical creatures, had their place and their story told.
And then there are the details: the colours, the textures, the way space is used. Some works are bold and full of energy, others are calm and quiet with just a few simple brushstrokes. I kept thinking about how much confidence it takes to leave that much empty space on a page and still have it feel complete. It made me slow down and look more carefully, which isn’t something I often do when rushing through galleries at home.
Another thing I loved was the craftsmanship. So many pieces were made using techniques that take years to master – woodblock prints, silk screens, gold leaf on folding screens – and yet they don’t feel heavy or overworked. They feel joyful, light, and full of intention.
Putting this collection together has been almost as fun as finding the art in the first place. It reminded me of how inspired I felt while I was there, and how many times I turned to the person next to me and said, “Look at this!” I guess this is my way of saying that to you now.
So take your time scrolling through. Maybe something will catch your eye the way it caught mine. Maybe it will make you want to book a trip to Japan. Or maybe it will just give you a few minutes of calm in your day. Either way, I hope you enjoy it.
