Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art and TOPPAN Launch Joint Project for Digital Archiving and Global Utilization of Collections

The National Museum of Asian Art-Smithsonian Institution (Location: Washington D.C., USA, Director: Chase F. Robinson, hereinafter referred to as the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art) and TOPPAN Inc. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Haruhiko Noguchi, hereinafter referred to as TOPPAN), a group company of TOPPAN Holdings Inc., signed a basic agreement on July 1, 2026 (Wed.) for the digital archiving of the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art's collection and the utilization of digital content.

As the first initiative based on this agreement, digital content of the "Peacock Room," a symbolic space of the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art and known as a masterpiece of Japonisme that fuses Japanese art styles with Western design created by James McNeill Whistler, will be developed.

Meeting at the TOPPAN Koishikawa Headquarters Building

(Left: Chase F. Robinson, Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, Right: Satoru Oyama, President and COO of TOPPAN Holdings)

Background

The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art boasts one of the world's leading collections of Japanese art, including original paintings by Katsushika Hokusai and works from the Rinpa school, with approximately 15,000 Japanese art items in its collection. However, due to the will of its founder, Charles Lang Freer, the removal of Freer's former Japanese art collection from the museum is strictly prohibited. This policy has been rigorously maintained to this day, and the collection is generally exhibited only within the museum. Therefore, new approaches that transcend physical limitations are required for the international dissemination and collaboration with external institutions of the valuable collection that the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art prides itself on.

Meanwhile, TOPPAN has been developing VR technology as a method for publicly releasing digital archive data of cultural properties since 1997, and has produced over 60 VR works themed around important cultural properties both domestically and internationally, including National Treasures. In 2007, TOPPAN was an early adopter in developing and releasing 4K ultra-high-definition VR works, and in recent years has been working on the development of next-generation VR works such as 16K VR and head-mounted displays. TOPPAN has also supported content creation and utilization for cultural and tourism assets nationwide. The vision of the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, which wishes to deliver the value of its world-class Japanese art collection to a wider audience and deepen their understanding, aligns with TOPPAN's mission to promote high-definition digitization of cultural properties and create global utilization opportunities. Thus, both parties have agreed to commence a joint project.

Regarding the Basic Agreement

In the joint project based on this agreement, the two parties will cooperate on the following:

- Digital archiving, digitization, and dissemination of the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art's collection. - Building a cooperative framework between the two parties. - Active utilization of jointly acquired results. - Promotion of cultural exchange between Japan and the United States, focusing on Japanese art, by both parties.

Regarding the Digital Content for the First Project, "Peacock Room"

The "Peacock Room" digital content planned for development will digitally reproduce the permanent exhibition space of the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art in high definition, allowing the space, which cannot be physically moved, to be exhibited worldwide, thereby providing viewing opportunities that transcend geographical limitations.

This content will allow users to experience elements constituting the "Peacock Room," such as the wall decorations, in high resolution. It will also incorporate content explaining the historical background at the time of its creation, aiming to provide an understanding of the space within its historical context.

This digital content is scheduled for release in early 2027 and is planned to be offered as VR content using head-mounted displays at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art and at exhibitions both domestically and internationally.

Photographs of the Peacock Room

Left: "Princess of the Land of Porcelain" Credit: James McNeill Whistler / National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1903.91a-b

Right: "The Peacock Room" Credit: James McNeill Whistler / National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1904.61

Future Developments

Through the promotion of the joint project based on this agreement, the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art and TOPPAN will expand opportunities to showcase the appeal of the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art's valuable cultural properties, while also developing new viewing methods that transcend physical limitations and creating new fans.

Furthermore, TOPPAN will collaborate with overseas museums and art galleries partnered with the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, as well as cultural institutions both domestically and internationally, to promote the creation and expansion of global utilization opportunities.

About the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art opened in 1923 as the first national museum in the United States and the first museum of Asian art in the country. It now houses one of the world's most important collections of Asian art, encompassing works from antiquity to the present day. It also possesses an unparalleled collection of American art from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

By actively engaging in collecting, conservation, exhibitions, programs, and research, both within the museum and online, the museum serves as a global and national resource for understanding the art and culture of Asia, as well as its past and present connections with the United States. By presenting the art and culture of Asia in its rich diversity, it aims to promote cross-cultural understanding and embody the fundamental principles of curiosity, creativity, and respect.

Located on the National Mall in Washington D.C., the museum offers free admission and is open 364 days a year (closed on December 25). The Smithsonian is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, welcoming millions of visitors annually. For more information about the National Museum of Asian Art, please visit asia.si.edu.

* Product and service names mentioned in this press release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

* The content described in this press release is current as of the date of announcement. It is subject to change without notice.

End