Japanese department stores focus on contemporary art as popularity grows amid pandemic

Contemporary works are seen in a department store in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

An interest in displaying contemporary art at home seems to be growing as people seek healing in their lives and color for their interiors amid the coronavirus pandemic. Many works can be purchased at affordable prices, and department stores are making efforts to market them.

Contemporary art refers to paintings, sculptures, calligraphy and other works created mainly after World War II. Prices range from tens of thousands of yen to more than 100 million yen. According to the Art Tokyo Association, the domestic art market in 2020 was 236.3 billion yen, with contemporary art accounting for 29.4 billion yen.