National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties Unite! Nine Secret Buddhist Statues Also Specially Exhibited! Commemorating the 1250th Anniversary of Kobo Daishi's Birth, the Special Exhibition 'Kukai and the Treasures of Shingon' Opens at Last

The Tokyo National Museum has opened the special exhibition 'Kukai and the Treasures of Shingon,' commemorating the 1250th anniversary of Kobo Daishi's birth, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

National Treasure: Seated Five Wisdom Buddhas (Gocho Nyorai), Heian period, 9th century, housed at Anshoji Temple, Kyoto. On permanent display as part of the 'Kukai and the Treasures of Shingon' special exhibition commemorating the 1250th anniversary of Kobo Daishi's birth, Tokyo National Museum, 2026. Exhibition view.

To commemorate the 1250th anniversary of the birth of Kukai, the founder of the Shingon sect, in 2023, 88 temple treasures—including 15 National Treasures and 60 Important Cultural Properties—held by the 18 head temples of the Shingon sect and related temples are gathered together for this exhibition.

This exhibition allows visitors to experience the profound history of Kukai's teachings, which have spread throughout Japan and been preserved and passed down for over 1,200 years. It features sacred artifacts related to the Shichi-nichi Goshuho, considered the highest ritual in the Shingon sect, as well as the special public display of nine secret Buddha statues (11 statues in total) that are normally hidden from public view. Through Kukai-related masterpieces, esoteric Buddhist art, and mandalas, visitors can deeply appreciate the spiritual legacy of Shingon Buddhism.

To enhance the visitor experience, the exhibition offers a variety of special programs.

Audio Guide

◉ Exhibition navigator MISIA appears in the audio guide! Narration by voice actor Akio Otsuka. They introduce the magnificent treasures gathered from the 18 head temples of the Shingon sect.

Rental fee: 700 yen per unit (tax included)

App version 'Kiku Bijutsu' (iOS/Android): 800 yen (tax included)

MISIA

Debuted in 1998. A nationally beloved singer with numerous hit songs such as 'Everything' and 'Ai no Katachi.' Performed the Japanese national anthem solo at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. Will perform a special live concert as part of the official ceremonies for 'Japan Day,' Japan's national day at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. Actively involved in social contribution activities, including long-term support for children in Japan and educational aid for children in Africa.

〈Comments from Exhibition Navigator MISIA during audio guide recording〉

"I was able to learn and speak about each piece, making it a deeply educational experience. My desire to see these masterpieces in person and feel their atmosphere and presence has grown even stronger.

I also spoke about my memories of performing at Mount Koya in 2015 for the 1200th anniversary of its founding, and of sending songs from Mount Koya on a music program in 2025. Singing at Mount Koya was a precious experience for me.

I believe each artwork carries inherited prayers and emotions. By seeing and learning from the works firsthand, perhaps we can feel that spirit. I hope visitors take their time to deeply feel the hearts passed down through more than 1,200 years of history. I also hope they can engage with the works as if in dialogue. I have done my best to serve as the audio guide narrator, hoping to assist everyone in their time viewing the artworks."

Akio Otsuka (Voice Actor)

Born in Tokyo. Active across a wide range of fields including anime, dubbing, narration, and stage acting. Notable anime roles include 'Black Jack' (Black Jack), 'Ghost in the Shell' series (Bato), and 'Lupin the Third PART6' (Daisuke Jigen). Also known for dubbing Denzel Washington and Nicolas Cage.

〈Comments from Audio Guide Narrator Akio Otsuka during recording〉

"This exhibition thrills me with the spread and worldview of the esoteric Buddhist teachings Kukai brought back from Tang China. I truly believe Kukai was a genius. In the audio guide, I not only introduce his words but also thoroughly highlight the attractions of the masterpieces from various Shingon temples. Let's enjoy this world together, with me and MISIA."

Goods and Catalog Information

A wide variety of original and collaboration goods are available! Sold at the special shop inside the venue.

※All images are for illustrative purposes only and may differ from actual products.

◉ Nyoirin Kannon Plush Mascot — Price: 3,300 yen (tax included)

The Important Cultural Property 'Seated Nyoirin Kannon Bodhisattva' (housed at Daimonji Temple, Osaka) becomes a plush keychain!

Nyoirin Kannon is believed to fulfill people's wishes and destroy worldly desires. This small, adorable plush is a must-have item.

◉ Pilgrimage Stamp Book (Goshuincho) — Price: 3,080 yen (tax included)

An original goshuincho for this exhibition, featuring the crests of the 18 head temples!

The elegant and refreshing design showcases temple crests foil-stamped in gold and silver on a white background.

※Unlike the goshuincho sold in a set with advance tickets, this version has no printed interior pages.

◉ KINTO Water Bottle — Price: 2,860 yen (tax included)

Collaboration between the lifestyle brand 'KINTO,' popular for its usability and simple design, and this exhibition! We are selling water bottles adorned with the crests of the 18 head temples. Available in three refreshing colors—blue, clear, and green—perfect for the coming season.

◉ Acrylic Stand and Acrylic Block — Price: Acrylic Stand: 2,200 yen (tax included) / Acrylic Block: 1,100 yen each (tax included)

The National Treasure 'Seated Five Wisdom Buddhas' (housed at Anshoji Temple, Kyoto) becomes a popular acrylic stand!

After enjoying the Five Wisdom Buddhas—symbolizing the five wisdoms in esoteric Buddhism—at the exhibition, continue the experience at home with this product.

We also offer the popular 'Acrylic Block'! The thick acrylic stands on its own, creating a luxurious finish with depth and dimension. Be sure to check it out at the venue!

Acrylic Stand and Acrylic Block

Collaboration with Popular Designers: PansonWorks and Mashuroba Goods

◉ PansonWorks Collaboration

Collaboration with PansonWorks (Panson Works), a popular graphic designer known for creating collaboration goods illustrations with various companies, brands, and characters! We commissioned them to create fresh, pop-style illustrations of three Buddhist statues featured in the exhibition! This is the first time PansonWorks has illustrated Buddhist statues.

At the venue shop, we sell embroidered towel handkerchiefs and notebooks featuring the original illustrations.

Original works (from left): Important Cultural Property 'Seated Nyoirin Kannon Bodhisattva' (Daimonji Temple, Osaka) / Important Cultural Property 'Seated Aizen Myoo (Tenkyu Aizen)' (Hokkoji Temple, Yamanashi) / Important Cultural Property 'Seated Fudo Myoo' (Daigoji Temple, Kyoto) PansonWorks Collaboration Goods (partial) ※Images are for illustrative purposes only. Actual products may differ.

◉ Mashuroba Collaboration

Collaboration with 'Mashuroba,' a brand based in Nara that designs and produces 'cool yet cute' Buddhist goods and characters for temples and exhibitions! Two of the Buddhist statues exhibited will be transformed into cute, relaxed illustrations!

At the venue shop, we sell stickers and lunch totes featuring the original illustrations.

Original works: National Treasure 'Seated Five Wisdom Buddhas' (Anshoji Temple, Kyoto) / Important Cultural Property 'Standing Bishamonten' (Otokuni-ji Temple, Kyoto)

◉ Special Exhibition Catalog: 'Kukai and the Treasures of Shingon' Commemorating the 1250th Anniversary of Kobo Daishi's Birth — Price: 3,100 yen (tax included)

Held by the 18 head temples of the Shingon sect and related temples