Tokyo, February 11, 2026
A Blast from the Past: 90s British Art Arrives in Tokyo
An exhibition showcasing the rebellious spirit of Young British Artists opens today at the National Art Center, Tokyo, promising a visceral look at a pivotal moment in art history.
- The exhibition, “Tate Museum – YBA&BEYOND,” runs from February 11 to May 11, 2026.
- It features approximately 100 works by 60 artists who challenged artistic norms in the 1990s.
- Actor Asuka Saito serves as the exhibition’s ambassador and narrator for the audio guide.
- The show explores how social and political upheaval shaped a generation of British artists.
Get ready to question everything you thought you knew about art. “Tate Museum – YBA&BEYOND 90s British Art that Changed the World” opened today at the National Art Center, Tokyo, and it’s not holding back. This isn’t your grandmother’s art exhibit; it’s a raw, provocative dive into a period when British artists deliberately shattered conventions.
Rebellion and Reinvention
The exhibition focuses on British art created from the late 1980s through the early 2000s, a period defined by the Thatcher government (1979-1990) and rising social tensions. Artists responded by questioning established frameworks and experimenting with bold new approaches. The Young British Artists (YBAs) and their contemporaries drew inspiration from popular culture, personal stories, and shifting social structures, utilizing diverse techniques like painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation.
What defined the YBA movement? The Young British Artists were known for their shock tactics, conceptual art, and willingness to challenge traditional notions of artistic skill and subject matter.
Through roughly 100 works by around 60 artists, the exhibition examines the innovative creative trajectory of British art during the 1990s. It’s a chance to see how a generation grappled with a rapidly changing world and, in the process, redefined what art could be.
Saito’s Perspective
Ahead of the opening, a press interview was held at the National Art Center, Tokyo, featuring Asuka Saito, the exhibition’s ambassador and the voice behind the audio guide. Saito, greeted by MC Hideko Horii, shared her initial impressions of the artwork. “The intentions behind the works were clear and strong, and I was overwhelmed and moved as I watched them,” she commented, conveying a genuine connection to the art.
Saito highlighted a work by Francis Bacon, positioned at the entrance, as a particular standout. She was drawn to its ability to evoke both fear and deep contemplation, hoping viewers would experience the same impactful atmosphere. Reflecting on her own connection to British culture, she recalled listening to British bands during her student years, noting that the exhibition deepened her understanding of the “slightly moody” image of Britain and the complex social events that fueled the artistic movement.
Saito also shared her appreciation for the Tate Modern, a museum she visited around age 20, describing its profound impact on her. She emphasized the exhibition’s accessibility, encouraging visitors of all backgrounds to engage with the art, even without prior knowledge. She also recommended utilizing the audio guide, which she designed to be informative and easy to understand.
The interview also featured Helen Little, curator of contemporary art at Tate Britain, who discussed her thoughts on bringing the exhibition to Japan. Saito inquired about the curator’s personal highlight, sparking a dialogue between their perspectives. Both emphasized the exhibition’s broad appeal, welcoming not only art enthusiasts but also those with an interest in British music and fashion.
Asuka Saito: A Profile
Born August 10, 1998, in Tokyo, Asuka Saito rose to prominence as the youngest member of the first generation of Nogizaka46 in 2011. She has since become a fashion magazine model (“sweet”), hosted the EX program “Hamasuka Broadcasting Club” (from 2021), and led the group as its leader. After graduating in May 2023, she transitioned into acting and modeling, with recent roles including Mio Makimura in the drama “Lion’s Lair” (2024), Ai in the film “[Oshi no Ko]-The Final Act-” (2024), Mikuru Shitara in the drama “Love is Darkness” (2025), and Yumi Saji in the upcoming movie “Campus Keeper” (2026). She currently appears in the NHK drama 10 “Themis’ Uncertain Court” and received the New Actor Award at the 48th Japan Academy Awards in 2025.
