Sakura and the Spirit of France: “LIGHTS OF FRANCE” Exhibition Illuminates Oji This Weekend
As Tokyo’s cherry blossoms reach their peak, the historic district of Ōji in Kita-ku offers more than just floral beauty this weekend. Nestled among the blooming sakura trees, a rare and intimate art exhibition titled “LIGHTS OF FRANCE”invites visitors to step into a hidden corner of postwar European art history.
Running from March 22 to March 31, 2025, the exhibition is presented by Ikono Art Collection and showcases a remarkable selection of works from the private collection of French artist Marcestel (Marc Antoine Squarciafichi). Hosted in the cozy back room of Le Chien Noir, a charming café-gallery space located within Red Tanpopo in Ōji, the show offers a unique cultural experience where art and ambiance converge.
The exhibition features 28 original works, along with lithographs and limited-edition prints, by a group of celebrated French painters—many of whom were central figures in the Paris School during the 1960s to 1980s. Among the featured artists are Yves Brayer, Jean Lurçat, James McAvoy, Jean Larrieu, Jean-Pierre Journod, Claude Genis, Jean Gantner, Jacques Masson, and Jacques-Henri Lartigue. These artists, known for their lyrical interpretations of French life, landscapes, and light, bring a vibrant European sensibility to the heart of Tokyo.
What makes this exhibition particularly special is that these works—kept in private hands for over three decades—are being unveiled to the public for the first time in more than 30 years. Even more unusually, they are available for purchase before returning to France, offering collectors and art lovers a rare opportunity to acquire pieces of European art history.
The exhibition is free to the public and is open daily until March 31st, making it a perfect cultural stop during a hanami stroll through Ōji’s parks and riverside paths.
Exhibition Details
📍 Red Tanpopo / Le Chien Noir
2-13-11 Takinogawa, Kita-ku, Tokyo
🗓 March 22 – 31, 2025
🎟 Admission: Free
Whether you’re an art connoisseur, a curious traveler, or simply in the neighborhood to enjoy the cherry blossoms, “LIGHTS OF FRANCE” offers a rare and intimate encounter with the golden glow of French modernism—right here in Tokyo.
