The year 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Finland. To celebrate this, the Mori Arts Center Gallery in Roppongi, Tokyo, has as of this week opened a grand exhibition showcasing the story of the Moomins. The exhibition, “Moomin – The Art and the Story”, will be held in the Mori Arts Center Gallery from 9th April to 16th June, after which it will tour throughout Japan until 2021. The exhibition is the largest-ever touring exhibition of Moomin art.
The exhibition provides a broad overview of Tove Jansson’s Moomin art all the way from the 1940s to the end of her life. The history of the Moomins will be explored through over 500 pieces of Moomin-related artworks, many of which are showcased in Japan for the very first time. The artworks are selected from the Moomin Museum and from Tove Jansson’s personal collection. The exhibition features a wide range of material from original sketches and illustrations to copies of Moomin novels and videos of animation. Jansson’s love for Japan is also illustrated through her personal sketches and photos of Japan.