Exploring the Best Booths at Tokyo Gendai 2025: A Showcase of Nature, Identity, and Futurism

The third edition of Tokyo Gendai, Japan’s premier international contemporary art fair, took place at PACIFICO Yokohama from September 11 to 14, 2025, with a VIP preview kicking off the event. This year’s shift to autumn aligned with Japan’s vibrant fall arts season, drawing collectors, curators, and enthusiasts to explore over 60 galleries across three curated sections: Galleries for established names, Hana (“Flower”) for emerging artists, and Eda (“Branch”) for thematic presentations. According to ARTnews, the standout booths at Tokyo Gendai 2025—from ash-covered tree sculptures to cyberpunk-inspired abstractions—offered a compelling mix of ecological reflection, cultural identity, and futuristic innovation. This article dives into these highlights, exploring how they defined the fair’s impact and solidified its role in the global art scene.

The Context of Tokyo Gendai 2025

Launched in 2023, Tokyo Gendai has quickly become a cornerstone of Asia’s art market, bridging Eastern and Western creative dialogues. Curated by Eriko Kimura, the 2025 edition emphasized sustainability, cultural exchange, and accessibility through public programs like Art Talks and the Ne (“Root”) performance section. With half the exhibitors hailing from international markets, the fair showcased a diverse array of perspectives, from Japan’s avant-garde to Europe’s conceptual traditions. Attendance surpassed previous years, building on 2024’s reported sales success, despite regional challenges like the cancellation of Taipei Dangdai 2026. For broader context on global art fairs, Ocula’s art fair guide offers detailed insights into events like Tokyo Gendai.

Standout Booths: A Curated Selection

Drawing from ARTnews’ coverage, the following booths captured the essence of Tokyo Gendai 2025, blending innovation with profound themes. Each presentation, from ecological sculptures to identity-driven paintings, resonated with attendees and collectors alike.

Ingleby Gallery: Katie Paterson’s Environmental Elegy

Edinburgh’s Ingleby Gallery presented a haunting installation by Scottish artist Katie Paterson, whose work often explores humanity’s relationship with nature and time. The centerpiece was a blackened branch coated in ash from over 10,000 tree species worldwide—a stark commentary on deforestation and biodiversity loss. This sculpture, both minimalist and monumental, invited viewers to reflect on environmental fragility, a theme particularly poignant in Japan, where natural disasters shape national consciousness.

Paterson’s reputation for projects like “Future Library” (manuscripts sealed until 2114) lent gravitas to the booth. Collectors responded enthusiastically, with Ingleby noting strong sales inquiries. The gallery’s focus on conceptual art aligns with its history of showcasing boundary-pushing creators, making this a must-see display. For more on Paterson’s environmental focus, her website provides a deep dive into her portfolio.

Gana Art: Andrew Moncrief’s Queer Narratives

Seoul and Los Angeles-based Gana Art brought Berlin artist Andrew Moncrief to the Hana section, spotlighting his vibrant, fragmented paintings. These works dissect queer identity, masculinity, and the idealized body through surreal, colorful forms. Moncrief’s bold approach challenges conventional representations, blending personal narrative with universal themes of vulnerability and strength.

The booth’s emotional resonance drew crowds, with early sales reflecting the growing demand for identity-focused art. Gana Art’s cross-cultural presence—spanning Korea and the U.S.—made it a fitting platform for Moncrief’s work. For those interested in similar themes, Artnet’s marketplace features auctions and articles on queer art movements, offering a broader perspective.

Taka Ishii Gallery: Takumi Ogami’s Cyberpunk Visions

Tokyo’s Taka Ishii Gallery showcased 2000-born artist Takumi Ogami, whose large-scale abstract painting embodied the “cyberpunk abstractions” highlighted by ARTnews. A graduate of Kyoto University of the Arts, Ogami’s work channels digital glitches, neon cityscapes, and futuristic dystopias, drawing inspiration from Japan’s anime and tech culture. The swirling patterns and bold colors evoked the aesthetic of cyberpunk classics like Akira, resonating with tech-savvy collectors.

As part of the Hana section, Taka Ishii’s booth positioned Ogami as a rising star in Japan’s contemporary scene. The gallery’s legacy of nurturing talent, seen in past fairs, amplified the work’s impact. For those exploring cyberpunk-inspired art, Artsy’s digital art collection curates similar innovative works.

Carl Krull at Sato ‘Meadow’: Performance as Art

In the Sato (“Meadow”) section, Danish artist Carl Krull’s live drawing performance, “Vertex,” captivated audiences. Inspired by Japanese calligraphy, Krull created four large-scale pieces over the fair’s duration, using gestural marks to blend Eastern and Western artistic traditions. This interactive display, housed in booth S11, underscored Tokyo Gendai’s commitment to experiential art, with daily performances drawing crowds.

Krull’s work highlighted the fair’s public programming, including talks and the Ne section’s performances. Such elements boost engagement, as seen in global fairs like Art Basel, covered extensively by The Art Newspaper.

Additional Highlights: Diversity in Mediums

Other notable booths included Tomio Koyama Gallery’s solo presentation of Satoshi Ohno, merging painting with sculptural elements for a tactile experience. Hong Kong’s Gallery EXIT showcased Konstantin Bessmertny’s surreal paintings, reimagining historical trades as alien encounters. PYO Gallery honored the late Kwak Duck-Jun with conceptual works spanning photography and installation, while Pace Gallery presented artists like Gideon Appah and Elmgreen & Dragset, exploring memory and identity.

SEIZAN Gallery’s debut in booth A07 focused on Japanese talents, while Otani Workshop’s ceramics and Bernar Venet’s steel performances added material diversity. These varied presentations underscored Tokyo Gendai’s curatorial strength.

Why These Booths Stood Out

The ARTnews-selected booths excelled due to their thematic depth and visual impact. Paterson’s ash-covered branch spoke to global environmental concerns, Moncrief’s paintings addressed personal and cultural identity, and Ogami’s abstractions tapped into futuristic aesthetics. Krull’s performances bridged art and audience, while galleries like Pace and Tomio Koyama brought international prestige. The mix of established and emerging artists, alongside diverse mediums like ceramics and live art, created a dynamic experience.

Tokyo Gendai’s Broader Impact

Tokyo Gendai 2025 reinforced Japan’s growing influence in the global art market. With early sales and high attendance, it outperformed expectations, especially amid regional challenges like Taipei Dangdai’s cancellation. The fair’s focus on sustainability—evident in Paterson’s work and eco-conscious curation—aligned with global trends. Its international scope, with galleries from London to Seoul, fostered cross-cultural exchange, a hallmark of modern art fairs.

For collectors, the fair offered acquisition opportunities, with prices ranging from affordable prints to high-value originals. Public programs, including talks with artists like those at Pace Gallery, made art accessible to all. As Tokyo Gendai grows, it challenges established fairs like Art Basel, positioning Japan as a must-visit art hub.

Conclusion

Tokyo Gendai 2025, as captured by ARTnews, showcased the power of contemporary art to provoke, inspire, and connect. From Katie Paterson’s ecological sculptures to Takumi Ogami’s cyberpunk visions, the best booths offered something for every art lover. As the fair continues to evolve, it invites us to explore the intersections of nature, identity, and technology through the lens of creativity. Whether you’re a collector or a curious visitor, Tokyo Gendai 2025 was a testament to art’s transformative potential.

FAQ

What is Tokyo Gendai?

Tokyo Gendai is an international contemporary art fair held annually in Yokohama, Japan, featuring over 60 galleries. Visit the official site for details.

When did Tokyo Gendai 2025 take place?

The fair ran from September 11-14, 2025, with a VIP preview on September 11.

Which booths were highlighted by ARTnews?

Standouts included Ingleby Gallery’s Katie Paterson, Gana Art’s Andrew Moncrief, Taka Ishii’s Takumi Ogami, and Carl Krull’s performance in Sato.

Who is Katie Paterson?

A Scottish artist known for conceptual works on nature and time, such as her ash-covered tree sculpture. Learn more at her website.

What themes defined Tokyo Gendai 2025?

Environmental concerns, cultural identity, cyberpunk aesthetics, and interactive performances were prominent.

How can I purchase art from the fair?

Contact galleries like Pace Gallery or browse platforms like Artsy for similar works.

Is Tokyo Gendai accessible to the public?

Yes, general admission tickets grant access, with free public programs like Art Talks enhancing the experience.

What other art fairs are comparable?

Fairs like Art Basel or Frieze, covered by The Art Newspaper, share similar global influence.