ABOUT 美術店について
At Seigado Natsume Bijutsuten, we introduce the foremost stars of the contemporary nihonga (Japanese painting) world, as well as Japan’s most respected late masters and promising young artists aiming to become the stars of tomorrow.
Philosophy
For more than 90 years, we have specialized in nihonga and earned deep trust within the art industry.
On our website, we share artists’ works, the latest information, and details on art acquisition.
We invite you to step into the fascinating world of Seigado Natsume Bijutsuten.


History
Bridging the “World’s Only Enduring Cultural Tradition” to Future Generations
Japanese painting (nihonga) is a style created with time-honored materials such as pigments, ink, animal glue, silk, paper, and brushes. It is a painting tradition unparalleled worldwide.
These materials are often fragile, vulnerable to humidity, dryness, and the changing seasons, embodying the Japanese aesthetic of hakanasa no bi—the beauty of transience.
We see it as our mission to protect this beauty and hand it down to future generations. Through expert restoration and careful stewardship, we preserve works of art for posterity.
The History of Seigado Natsume Bijutsuten
- 1930
- Founded by Masaru Natsume, who obtained a business license while also running a restaurant.
- 1942
- Restarted the Senzokukai art gathering at Kazantei in Ueno Park, which had been interrupted by the war.
Held six sessions per month: three on dates with a “9” (Senzokukai) and three on dates with a “2” (Futsukakai).
- 1946
- Joined the Tokyo Art Club (later temporarily withdrew).
- 1948
- Established Natsume Shoten Co., Ltd. with a capital of 500,000 yen.
Moved to 3-7 Chiyoda Ward.
- 1953
- Renamed as Seigadō Natsume Bijutsuten Co., Ltd.
Moved to 4-15 Kudanminami, Chiyoda Ward.
- 1954
- Rejoined the Tokyo Art Club.
- 1967
- Address updated due to district reorganization: 4-8-28 Kudanminami, Chiyoda Ward.
- 1968
- Passing of founder Masaru Natsume. Shiro Natsume became Representative Director.
- 1970
- Held the 50th Anniversary Exhibition at Ginza Central Art Museum.
- 1982
- Held the 50th Anniversary Exhibition at Ginza Central Art Museum.
- 1984
- Completion of the company’s new building.
- 1985
- Held the Commemorative Exhibition for the new building.
- 1990
- Relocated Senzokukai to Ginza Gallery Center Building, 3rd floor.
- 1991
- Completion of a new head office building and commemorative exhibition.
Ranked No.1 in declared income among art dealers (Nikkei Art survey).
- 1992
- Relocated Senzokukai to the Tokyo Art Club in Shimbashi.
Reorganized into a joint-stock corporation.
Absorbed Senzokukai Co., Ltd.
Increased capital to 12.3 million yen.
- 2006
- Passing of Shiro Natsume. Posthumously awarded the Chief of Police Commissioner’s Award (second time).
Susumu Natsume became Representative Director.
- 2010
- Published the 80th Anniversary Commemorative Print: Kataoka Tamako – Celebratory Fuji.
- 2011
- Senzokukai: 80th Anniversary Commemorative Gathering held.
- 2014
- Published the 85th Anniversary Commemorative Print: Kataoka Tamako – Celebratory Fuji.
- 2015
- Senzokukai: 85th Anniversary Commemorative Gathering held.
- 2017
- First participation in Art Fair Tokyo (Yurakucho Art Forum, March 16–19).
Exhibition Japanese Painter Yuji Murakami × Ultraman: Fantasy Tokusatsu HERO – continued annually thereafter.
(2020 canceled due to COVID-19 prevention measures).
- 2020 (July 31 – August 4)
- Yuji Murakami’s challenge: King of Monsters Godzilla exhibition held in-store.
- 2020
- Senzokukai: 90th Anniversary Commemorative Gathering held.
- 2025 (planned)
- To celebrate the 95th anniversary, a two-person exhibition of Sayume Okuda and Hiroshi Senju will be held at Seigadō Natsume Bijutsuten in November.
Message
“Live life with five parts seriousness, two parts chivalry, and three parts playful spirit.”
Words of the Past President: Shirō Natsume (1968–2006)
As President from 1968, Shirō Natsume led the company with innovative ideas and deep trust, making a significant impact on the Japanese art world. His influence continues to be remembered today.
Former Head
Shiro Natsume
夏目 四郎


“In any business, leave no bitterness behind. In any situation, never lose dignity — treat others with respect and courtesy.”
Words of the Current President: Susumu Natsume (2006–present)
After a career as a professional baseball player, Susumu Natsume entered the art world at the age of 33. Together with his predecessor, he developed Natsume Bijutsuten into a leading gallery. He has also served as Vice Chairman of the Japan Art Dealers Federation and Vice Chairman of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters OB Association, among other roles.
Representative Director and President
Susumu Natsume
夏目 進
Dialogues & Notes
Dialogues and Notes is an archive of interviews and documents related to Natsume Bijutsuten.
Through conversations and records, it reflects on the gallery’s journey and philosophy over the decades.
Gallery
Information
Information about Seigado Natsume Bijutsuten
- Address
- Tokyo-to, Chiyoda-ku, Kudan-minami 4-8-28
Access
Tokyo Metro: 4-minute walk from Ichigaya Station
Toei Shinjuku Line: 3-minute walk from Ichigaya Station
- Gallery Hours
- Weekdays: 10:30 – 18:00
Closed: Sundays & national holidays; 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays
- Contact
- Tel. 03-3264-6606
Fax. 03-5276-0498
Reception Hours: Weekdays 11:00–18:00 / Saturdays 11:00–15:00
For gallery hours and information on exhibitions and art fairs, click here.
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