For samurai, martial arts were more than just techniques for combat.

Archery, horsemanship, swordsmanship, spear techniques, artillery, and falconry—

The daily training, self-discipline, and competitive spirit of the samurai closely resemble those of modern athletes.

In 2026, the year the Asian Games and Asian Para Games are held, this exhibition introduces Japan's traditional martial culture from a fresh perspective: 'Samurai × Athlete'.

Lacquered Red Armor with Woodpecker Pattern, crafted by Haruta Yoshitsugu and Kato Hachijuro Masakatsu, worn by Tokugawa Yoshinao (first head of the Owari family), Edo period, Kan'ei 3 (1626) / Black Lacquered Saddle with Paulownia Crest, crafted by Ise Sadamasa, used by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Azuchi-Momoyama to Edo period, 16th–17th century. Both housed at the Tokugawa Art Museum.

Highlight 1: From 'Fighting Samurai' to 'Training Samurai'

Martial arts for the samurai were not solely for battlefield combat. During the Edo period, in times of peace, martial arts evolved into forms of etiquette and spiritual cultivation, becoming essential education for the warrior class. As war chronicles like 'Taiheiki' gained popularity, battle scenes were illustrated and used in education, and the academic study of warfare, known as 'gun-gaku' (military science), emerged.

This exhibition brings together a wide range of martial arts—archery, horsemanship, spear techniques, swordsmanship, artillery, and falconry—offering insight into the depth of warrior culture passed down in the Owari Tokugawa family.

Nagashino Battle Screen, one of six-panel screens (detail), Edo period, 18th–19th century, Tokugawa Art Museum collection (First period: July 25 – August 25)

Taming Horses Screen, left of a pair of six-panel screens (detail), Edo period, 17th century, donated by the Okaya family, Tokugawa Art Museum collection (Second period: August 26 – September 27)

Golden Sumo Ring with Empty Ear of Rice, Azuchi-Momoyama to Edo period, 16th–17th century, used by Asaoka Heihyoe Shigemasa, Tokugawa Art Museum collection

Great Sword, inscribed 'Nagamori' (remaining 37 characters omitted), Muromachi period, 14th century / Red Lacquered Great Sword Fittings (Great Sword inscribed 'Nagamori' with accessories), Edo period, 17th century, owned by Yagyu Muneyoshi (first head of the Owari Yagyu family), Tokugawa Art Museum collection

Highlight 2: The World of Martial Arts in the Owari Tokugawa Family

Various martial arts developed during the Sengoku period flourished within the warrior society of the Edo period. In the Owari Tokugawa household, many retainers dedicated themselves to rigorous training. Their skills were demonstrated in formal reviews before the lord, and those with exceptional ability were rewarded. Excellence was celebrated not only as personal achievement but also as a source of family honor, passed down through generations.

Refining skills, showcasing results, and receiving recognition—these martial arts demonstrations were the 'samurai's moment of glory,' akin to modern sports competitions.

Chiyoda no Omote: Beginning of Archery Practice, painted by Yosu Shuuen, Meiji 30 (1897), Tokugawa Art Museum collection

Chiyoda no Omote: Hunting at Koginahara, painted by Yosu Shuuen, Meiji 30 (1897), Tokugawa Art Museum collection (Panel display)

Chiyoda no Omote: Martial Arts Demonstration, painted by Yosu Shuuen, Meiji 30 (1897), Tokugawa Art Museum collection (Panel display)

Chiyoda no Omote: Yabusame Demonstration, painted by Yosu Shuuen, Meiji 30 (1897), Tokugawa Art Museum collection (Panel display)

Highlight 3: Falconry as Samurai Training

Falconry, favored by Tokugawa Ieyasu, was not merely a pastime but also a form of military training that developed physical strength and judgment.

During the Edo period, it became a prestigious martial art permitted only to the shogun and select daimyo. Hawks and game were also treated as valuable gifts.

This exhibition highlights the martial aspects of falconry, which has recently gained renewed attention.

Falconry Screen, right panel (detail), Edo period, 18th century, donated by Mr. Saito Yoshikatsu, Tokugawa Art Museum collection

Falconry Equipment (27 items), used by Tokugawa Yoshikatsu (14th head of the Owari family), Edo period, 18th–19th century, Tokugawa Art Museum collection

Exhibition Title

Summer Special Exhibition: Martial Arts: Samurai Athlete

Dates

July 25 (Sat), 2026 – September 27 (Sun)

First Period: July 25 (Sat) – August 25 (Tue)

Second Period: August 26 (Wed) – September 27 (Sun)

Opening Hours

10:00 – 17:00

(Last admission at 16:30)

Closed

Mondays

(However, open from September 21 (Mon, holiday) to September 23 (Wed, holiday); closed on September 24 (Thu))

Venue

Tokugawa Art Museum, Hoza Bunko Exhibition Room

Admission

General: ¥2,000

University and high school students: ¥1,200

Junior high school and younger: Free

Online tickets on sale

※ No group rates or senior discounts

※ Visitors with disabilities and one companion receive ¥200 off upon presenting a disability certificate

Organizers

Tokugawa Art Museum, Nagoya City Hoza Bunko, Chunichi Shimbun, Nihon Keizai Shimbun, NHK Nagoya Broadcasting Station

Tokugawa Art Museum

1017 Tokugawa-cho, Higashi-ku, Nagoya 461-0023

Phone: 052-935-6262 (10:00–17:00, except Mondays)

Access

• JR Chuo Line, 'Ozone' Station, 8-minute walk from south exit

• City Bus / Meitetsu Bus, Route 2, 'Tokugawaen Shideki' stop, 3-minute walk

• Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus 'Me-Guru', 'Tokugawaen / Tokugawa Art Museum / Hoza Bunko' stop, right in front

• Free parking for 17 vehicles on the south side of the museum

Opening Hours and Closed Days

10:00–17:00 (Last admission 16:30)

Closed on Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, closed on the following weekday)

Official Website

https://www.tokugawa-art-museum.jp/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/tokugawa.art.museum

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/tokugawa_artmuseum/

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https://twitter.com/tokubi_nagoya

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  • Category: Event