In Japan, it has long been believed that there are too many gods and goddesses to count. People made offerings to these sacred beings known as “kami,” depicted their forms, and connected them to deities of the Buddhist pantheon. Various beliefs gave rise to the emergence of art and beauty from these activities. This exhibition introduces ways that Japanese have viewed and worshipped their deities through the generations, revealing the wonders of such art and beauty, through hands-on learning experiences for visitors of all ages.

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This museum is located in the heart of the ancient city of Nara, surrounded by the famous temples of Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji, and Kasuga Shrine. The museum, which celebrated its centennial anniversary in 1995, has been deeply involved in the preservation, inventory, and research of Japanese antiquities and archeological artifacts, especially artworks related to Buddhism. With the cooperation of temples, shrines and private collectors, the museum has organized exhibitions introducing a wealth of outstanding artworks over the years, including those featured in the very popular annual exhibition of treasures from the Shosoin Repository.

The Wonders of Japan’s Gods and Goddesses

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