URL: https://www.daj.jpf.go.jp/en/
The Japan Foundation distributes videos introducing the wide world of Japanese Art and Culture to people in Japan and abroad. This portal site, which compiles these promotional works, invites you to doors to a variety of forms of Japanese Art and Culture, featuring 20 series across 3 categories, exploring a diverse range of art & culture, museums, and artists.
The videos are available on the Doors to Arts of JAPAN website without any cost with subtitles or audio mainly in English.
Art & Culture
Arts & Culture of Japan 日本の芸術と文化
This series in line with the various themes of The Japan Foundation Traveling Exhibitions from its collection can also be enjoyed as movie works. The videos introduce various aspects of Japanese art and culture, including high-resolution images of national treasures, footage shot on location in various parts of Japan, scenes of production, interviews, and more. In addition, please enjoy videos introducing the appeal of Japan’s proud Manga Culture from a variety of perspectives.
Interesting Series
Japanese Yokai
Let’s explore the world of “Yokai”. Since ancient times, Yokai have appeared in various stories in all regions of Japan, surprising and frightening people. This series introduces them as a Japanese culture, who are transforming into a friendly existence in the present day.
Subtitles: Japanese, English, Arabic, Italian, Khmer, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Simplified Chinese Audio: Japanese
MANGA culture in Japan
Manga is appreciated by people of all ages, from children to adults. These videos broadly introduce Manga culture in Japan from various perspectives, including how Manga is made and interviews with artists and editors.
Subtitles: Japanese, English, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Korean, French, Portuguese, Spanish
Audio: Japanese (available from the Japanese page) and English
For All lineup, Please see below.
MUSEUMS
Invitation to Explore Japan’s Museums 美術館への誘い
In Japan, there are numerous unique and fascinating art museums. In this video series, we introduce museums throughout Japan based on four themes with their collections, activities, interviews to the artists and architects, archive videos, and so on.
Interesting Series
I: In harmony with nature
We will introduce art spots deeply connected to nature, focusing on the location of the museum, the surrounding environment, or the garden within the museum.
Subtitles: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Arabic
Audio: Japanese
II: Architects talk about their museums
We will introduce museums that have attracted attention as outstanding works of art museum architecture. Each individual architect will personally talk about the concept and features of their design, as well as their thoughts on the museum.
Subtitles: English, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish
Audio: Japanese
ARTISTS
Artists from Japan – Artists Active in Japan and Around the World
We will be introducing artists associated with the Japan Foundation, including those whose works will be featured in the art and architecture exhibitions at the Japan Pavilion of the La Biennale di Venezia. Please enjoy the beautifully honed perspectives and works of these artists.
Interesting Series
Beyond the Lines
Here we feature six artists whose scheduled exhibits were affected in some way by the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The artists’ intentions and the background behind the works are described in the artists’ own words.
Please enjoy these scenes from the studio showing the artists’ creative processes, and their precious stories, alongside beautiful video footage.
Subtitles: English
Audio: Japanese
For All lineup, Please see below.
Doors to Arts of JAPAN’s Lineup
| ARTS & CULTURE | The Japanese Spirit of Gifting |
| Japanese Design Today 100 | |
| Japanese Yokai | |
| The Superlative Artistry of Japan | |
| I Love Sushi | |
| Netsuke | |
| NINGYO: Art and Beauty of Japanese Dolls | |
| YAKISHIME | |
| BUILT ENVIRONMENT: An Alternative Guide to Japan | |
| MANGA culture in Japan | |
| MUSEUMS | I: In harmony with nature |
| II: Architects talk about their museums | |
| III: Dedicated to artists, by artists | |
| IV: New perspective: dwelling on design | |
|
ARTISTS |
International Art Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia Japan Pavilion series |
| International Architecture Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia Japan Pavilion series | |
| Beyond the Lines |
*As of March 2025
**The videos are mainly available with subtitles or audio in English**
How to watch
- Simply follow the link to Doors to Arts of JAPAN’s website here.
- Select the categories.
- Choose a video to play.
- Choose a language for the subtitles in [cc]. English Subtitle is available on all videos.
Contact Information
The Japan Foundation, Bangkok
10F Serm-mit Tower,
159 Sukhumvit 21 Road (Asoke Montri),
Bangkok 10110
Facebook: jfbangkok
Email: acdept_jfbkk@jpf.go.jp