Karl Walser retrospective in Japan.

The exhibition “Karl Walser” is the first Japanese retrospective of the Swiss artist Karl Walser (1877–1943). Born in Biel near Bern, Walser moved to Berlin at a young age, where he joined the Berlin Secession – a movement that sought innovative forms of expression. His Symbolist works, characterised by a melancholic fin-de-siècle atmosphere and finely tuned colours, continue to fascinate to this day.

In addition to his painting, Walser designed numerous book covers and illustrations, including for works by his younger brother, Robert Walser, as well as for other significant authors.

A particular highlight of his career was his stay in Japan: in 1908, Walser travelled to Japan with the German writer Bernhard Kellermann and stayed in Tokyo and Miyazu (Kyoto Prefecture). Here he created watercolours of Japanese landscapes and genre scenes.

The exhibition offers a comprehensive insight into Walser’s diverse body of work, which also includes stage designs and murals. Around 150 works are on display in Japan for the first time – a milestone in rediscovering this extraordinary artist.

18 April to 16 June 2026, Tokyo Station Gallery
4 July to 27 September 2026, Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka