Hustle ’n’ Punch by Kaikai and Kiki, 2009. Takashi Murakami. Acrylic and platinum leaf on canvas mounted on aluminum frame; 300 x 608 x 5.1 cm. © 2009 Takashi Murakami / Kaikai Kiki Co. Ltd. All rights reserved; Courtesy The Cleveland Museum of Art

Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow
May 25 – September 7, 2025
Member Preview Events: May 16–24, 2025 (reserve tickets)

Discover an incredible exhibition of works from a Japanese artist known for his unique style that examines the cultural energies of contemporary Japan—anime, manga, and the otaku culture that grew around these popular art forms—against the backdrop of Japanese traditions at The Cleveland Museum of Art! Takashi Murakami uses his art to interpret historical events and their lasting effects, such as the end of World War II, the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visitors can explore how—after shared traumatic events—art can address crisis, healing, outrage, and escapist fantasy. Artworks explore topics such as how people may change when experiencing trauma, how major disasters can lead to outpourings of creative and religious fervor, and how art addressing contemporary passions as diverse as gaming, the metaverse, trading cards, street fashion trends, anime, and manga can be an entry point to engaging the past.

The centerpiece of the exhibition is the re-creation of the Yumedono, or Dream Hall, from Nara Prefecture’s Hōryūji Temple complex in the Ames Family Atrium. The Yumedono is believed to occupy the same location as the home of Prince Shōtoku Taishi, who converted his father, Emperor Yōmei, to Buddhism in the late 500s CE by calling for Buddha to cure the emperor of an illness. Upon the emperor’s recovery, Buddhism was allowed formally into Japan. To this day, the Yumedono houses the Kuse Kannon (a likeness of Prince Shōtoku), which is believed to have the power to save people from suffering.

Members enjoy exclusive early access now through May 24 with free exhibition tickets throughout the run of the show.

To learn more, click here.