ART FAIR ASIA FUKUOKA 2026: Exhibitors Announced for the Bridge Between Japan and Asia's Art Markets

◆Asian Energy Converging: Alongside major domestic art galleries, a record number of 8 galleries from Taiwan, as well as top talent from South Korea and the Philippines, are gathering in Fukuoka.

◆A New Phase After 10 Years: Moving into a new chapter, the fair aims to expand its reach beyond the event itself by strengthening collaboration with administrative bodies.

◆Main Visual Unveiled: The key color has been updated to reflect the fair's status as a constantly evolving event.

ART FAIR ASIA FUKUOKA 2026 (AFAF2026), marking its 11th year, has announced the participating domestic and international galleries that bridge the gap between Japan and the Asian art markets, while debuting its latest main visual with a new key color.

AFAF is one of Japan's largest art fairs, which has steadily grown in recent years by reaching out to first-time visitors, the younger generation, and local citizens. The 10th event last year recorded 15,051 visitors, about 1.5 times the previous year, and the average sales per exhibitor increased by about 110%, setting a new record and entering a phase of sustainable growth.

This year, along with the continued participation of galleries driving Japan's contemporary art scene such as Tokyo Gallery + BTAP, Tomio Koyama Gallery, and Mizuma Art Gallery, a total of 16 overseas galleries will gather, including a record-high 8 from Taiwan, as well as others from South Korea and the Philippines. The lineup is set, worthy of an Asian art hub.

Following its 10th anniversary, AFAF is stepping into a new chapter for the next decade. While maintaining the concepts of 'Bridge to Asia' and 'Expanding the Art Reach,' the fair aims to broaden its scope even further. The goal is a 'One Kyushu' art festival, developing artistic celebrations simultaneously in collaboration with organizations and municipalities across Fukuoka Prefecture and Kyushu. This year, more than 4 administrative bodies will exhibit at AFAF, and the fair will deepen collaboration with governments in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Ube City (Yamaguchi Prefecture), and others to pursue further expansion from next year onwards.

◆AFAF2026 Main Visual

The newly unveiled main visual inherits the design of 'new shapes created by overlapping circles' introduced last year, as well as the keywords that represent the essence of AFAF: 'Movement / Speed / Stimulation / Intersection / Spark / Expansion / Heat.' While building on solid achievements, to convey the attitude of a 'constantly updating fair' for the next decade and a new phase, this year's key color is a refreshing, light sky blue. It signals the beginning of a new era where Asian energy gathers in Fukuoka.

◆Venue and Booths

This year, the stage moves to the 'Fukuoka International Center,' which is popular for its dynamic spatial structure that allows a panoramic view of the entire venue from the second-floor gallery and an overwhelming sense of openness. Pursuing the 'improvement of quality' as an art fair, this year will maintain a scale of over 100 booths while implementing a special spatial design that ensures larger-than-usual booth sizes for each exhibitor. This will realize a luxurious viewing environment where visitors can step away from the crowds and deeply immerse themselves in each piece of art.

In addition to the three sections of 'Galleries,' 'Collaboration,' and 'Partners,' four carefully selected special booths will be deployed to provide a multi-faceted art experience.

[List of Main Sections & Special Booths]

Galleries (Main Section): A collection of selected commercial galleries from Japan and abroad, deploying large booths that highlight each gallery's individuality.

Collaboration: Educational institutions including Kyushu Sangyo University, companies, and administrative bodies collaborating to create a place where diverse perspectives and creativity merge.

Partners: Special booths by sponsoring companies and organizations that share the philosophy of this fair and support the development of the art market.

Special Booths:

Masters (Masterpieces Special): A booth focusing on works by deceased artists and other established high-class works, providing peace of mind by meeting 'real' art.

Moment (Live Performance): A live art section that shakes the venue with raw expression born only in that moment, through physical expression, sound, light, etc.

Infinity (Large Installation): A specialized section that goes beyond the framework of traditional art fairs, allowing visitors to experience huge three-dimensional works and immersive spatial direction with their whole body.

Feature (Asia/Fukuoka Featured Artists): A feature on旬 (in-season) artists driving the art scenes of Asia and local Fukuoka.