Japanese Artists Exhibition and History Timeline
1880
Teiji Kotato Gado (T.K.Gado) was born in Tochigi, Japan, moved to Chicago in 1906. A few years later, worked on restoration of Shofuden for Dr. Jyokichi Takamie and moved to New York.
1884
Yukihiko Shimotori was born Born in Tokyo, Japan, moved to New York works at the American Museum of Natural History in New York from 1909 to 1920.
1885
Motoichi "Roy" Kadowaki was born in Tottori, Japan, moved to Seattle in 1909 as a tailor for the Mitsukoshi Department Store in Tokyo. After moving to New York, he participated in exhibitions in 1930s.
1885
Seisho Hamachi was born in Wakayama Prefecture, moved to the West Coast of the U.S. in 1901, following his older brother. After graduating from the Boston School of Fine Arts, he lived and worked in New York.
1886
Kyohei Inukai was born in Okayama, Japan, moved to Hawaii in 1900. In 1906, he moved to Chicago from San Francisco before moving to New York around 1915.
1886
Tomizo "Thomas" Nagai was born in Gunma, Japan, he moved to New York and studied under Thomas Hart Benton at the Art Students League from 1924 to 1927.
1887
Toshi Shimizu was born in Tochigi, Japan. In 1907, he moved to Seattle, then moved to New York in 1917.
1888
Chuzo Tamotzu was born in Kagoshima, Japan. In 1914, he left Japan on a cargo ship and traveled through Asia and Europe before arriving in New York in 1920.
1889
Eitaro Ishigaki was born in Wakayama, Japan, moved to1909 Seattle to live with his farther. He lived in San Francisco before moved to New York in 1915.
1889
Yasuo Kuniyoshi was born in Okayama, moved to New York In 1910. He served on the board of directors of the Salons of America from 1922, became chairman of the An American Group In 1939. After the outbreak of the war, he issued a statement of allegiance to the U.S. in the Committee of the Japanese Artists Resident in New York City.
1896
Noboru Foujioka was born in Japan, moved to the U.S. in 1910. Following studies at the Portland School of Art, he moved to New York in 1916 to study at the Art Students League.
1898
Bumpei Usui was born in in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. After traveling around the world with his brother arrived in London in 1917, on his way back to Japan, he stopped in New York, fell in love with the area, and settled.
1899
Sakari Suzuki was born in Iwate, Japan and studied at the San Francisco Art Institute in the 1920s, moved to New York City in early 1930s.
1900
Kiyoshi Shimizu was born Tochigi, Japan, younger brother of Toshi Shimizu. He moved to the U.S. around 1921 to study at the Art Students League, and remained in New York after his brother moved to France in 1924.
1904
Isamu Noguchi, a son of poet Yonejiro Noguchi and American editor and English teacher Leonie Gilmore, was born in Los Angeles. He spent his youth in Japan. He moved to New York in 1922, and became a member of the National Sculpture Society in 1925. In 1927, he received a Guggenheim scholarship to France to study under Brancusi.
1904-5
Russo-Japanese War.
1907
February:
The U.S.-Japan Gentlemen's Agreement is signed.
The U.S.-Japan Gentlemen's Agreement is signed.
1908
February:
The Eight exhibition, the works of John Sloan and Robert Henri, known as the “Ashcan School" for their depictions of the back alleys and social mores of the city, became the talk of the town.
The Eight exhibition, the works of John Sloan and Robert Henri, known as the “Ashcan School" for their depictions of the back alleys and social mores of the city, became the talk of the town.
1911
June:
"New York Shimpo" published.
"New York Shimpo" published.
1913
February-March:
The Armory Show
The Armory Show
1913
Enactment of the Alien Land Law in California. The law prohibits foreigners without citizenship from owning land and eliminates the right to lease land for more than three years.
1914
March:
Dr. Takami, Dr. Jokichi Takamine, and other community leaders formed the Japanese Association of New York, Inc. (New York Nihonjinkai)
Japan participates in WWI
Dr. Takami, Dr. Jokichi Takamine, and other community leaders formed the Japanese Association of New York, Inc. (New York Nihonjinkai)
Japan participates in WWI
1917
March:
Russian Revolution takes place.
April 6:
US officially enters WWI
August:
The Siberian intervention
November:
The Bolshevik regime is established in Russia.
Russian Revolution takes place.
April 6:
US officially enters WWI
August:
The Siberian intervention
November:
The Bolshevik regime is established in Russia.
1917
First exhibition of the New York Japanese Art Association at the Yamanaka Gallery, and in April the First Annual Exhibition of the Association of Independent Artists were held.
1918
February:
The New York Japanese Art Association held its second exhibition at the MacDowell Club.
The New York Japanese Art Association held its second exhibition at the MacDowell Club.
1918
October:
End of the First World War.
End of the First World War.
1919
January:
Prohibition Law enacted in the U.S
February:
Ryusaku Kakuta becomes secretary of the Japanese Association of New York.
Prohibition Law enacted in the U.S
February:
Ryusaku Kakuta becomes secretary of the Japanese Association of New York.
1920
Revision of the Land Lease Law: Japanese tenants are prohibited from leasing land in the U.S.
1920
April:
"Gacho-kai", (Society of Japanese painters and sculptors), an organization of Japanese artists, is established.
"Gacho-kai", (Society of Japanese painters and sculptors), an organization of Japanese artists, is established.
1921
April:
"Japanese Art Association of New York" was dissolved.
May:
"Japanese Painters" changed its name to "Gacho-kai" (Society of Painting and Sculpture). A meeting was held at the residence of Eitaro Ishigaki.
June:
Ryusaku Tsunoda is appointed Secretary General of the Japanese Association of New York.
November:
Toshi Shimizu's "Yokohama Night" was selected for the Augustus Award at the Chicago Art Institute's exhibition, but the award was revoked because he was Japanese.
"Japanese Art Association of New York" was dissolved.
May:
"Japanese Painters" changed its name to "Gacho-kai" (Society of Painting and Sculpture). A meeting was held at the residence of Eitaro Ishigaki.
June:
Ryusaku Tsunoda is appointed Secretary General of the Japanese Association of New York.
November:
Toshi Shimizu's "Yokohama Night" was selected for the Augustus Award at the Chicago Art Institute's exhibition, but the award was revoked because he was Japanese.
1922
February:
Washington Conference on Disarmament
Washington Conference on Disarmament
1922
October:
Salons of America holds its first annual exhibition at the Anderson Galleries.
Salons of America holds its first annual exhibition at the Anderson Galleries.
1922
February:
Yasuo Kuniyoshi held a solo exhibition at the Daniel Gallery.
November:
The first exhibition of the Gacho-kai was held at the Civic Club.
Yasuo Kuniyoshi held a solo exhibition at the Daniel Gallery.
November:
The first exhibition of the Gacho-kai was held at the Civic Club.
1924
July:
The Exclusion of Japanese Immigrants Act is enacted, making it impossible for Japanese to immigrate to the U.S.
The Exclusion of Japanese Immigrants Act is enacted, making it impossible for Japanese to immigrate to the U.S.
1925
March:
Eitaro Ishigaki displayed "Whipping(Man with a Whip)" at the 9th Exhibition of the Association of Independent Artists and received positive reviews from a Newspaper.
Eitaro Ishigaki displayed "Whipping(Man with a Whip)" at the 9th Exhibition of the Association of Independent Artists and received positive reviews from a Newspaper.
1926
March:
Japanese works attract attention at the 10th Association of Independent Artists Exhibition.
October:
"On the Establishment of The Japanese Culture Centure" by Ryusaku Tsunoda was distributed.
Ryusaku Tsunoda retires from the Japanese Association.
Japanese works attract attention at the 10th Association of Independent Artists Exhibition.
October:
"On the Establishment of The Japanese Culture Centure" by Ryusaku Tsunoda was distributed.
Ryusaku Tsunoda retires from the Japanese Association.
1927
February:
The New York Shimpo sponsored an exhibition of Japanese art at the Art Center.
March:
Many Japanese exhibited at the 11th Association of Independent Artists Exhibition.
April:
"Bijutsu Doujin Kai" was organized as a group of Japanese artists.
The New York Shimpo sponsored an exhibition of Japanese art at the Art Center.
March:
Many Japanese exhibited at the 11th Association of Independent Artists Exhibition.
April:
"Bijutsu Doujin Kai" was organized as a group of Japanese artists.
1929
July:
The Japanese Culture Centure is established.
November:
New York Stock Exchange stock market crashes
The Japanese Culture Centure is established.
November:
New York Stock Exchange stock market crashes
1931
September:
The Manchurian Incident
The Manchurian Incident
1933
February:
Japan withdraws from the League of Nations.
March:
Franklin D. Roosevelt becomes the President of the United States.
December:
Hiroshi Saito was appointed as Ambassador to the U.S. Japan withdrew from the League of Nations. Japan became increasingly isolated from the international community, and Japan appointed Hiroshi Saito as its ambassador to the U.S. to promote cultural diplomacy between the two countries.
The end of Prohibition
December 1933 to June 1934
The Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) of the New Deal policy takes place.
Japan withdraws from the League of Nations.
March:
Franklin D. Roosevelt becomes the President of the United States.
December:
Hiroshi Saito was appointed as Ambassador to the U.S. Japan withdrew from the League of Nations. Japan became increasingly isolated from the international community, and Japan appointed Hiroshi Saito as its ambassador to the U.S. to promote cultural diplomacy between the two countries.
The end of Prohibition
December 1933 to June 1934
The Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) of the New Deal policy takes place.
1934
January:
"New York Art Association" is established.
February:
Diego Rivera's mural "Man at the Crossroads" was destroyed at the Rockefeller Center.
The Municipal Art Exhibition opens at the Rockefeller Center.
"New York Art Association" is established.
February:
Diego Rivera's mural "Man at the Crossroads" was destroyed at the Rockefeller Center.
The Municipal Art Exhibition opens at the Rockefeller Center.
1935
February:
The New York Shimpo sponsored an exhibition of Japanese art at the ACA Gallery.
May:
Work Progress Administration (WPA) takes place.
Eitaro Ishigaki works on a mural for the Harlem Courthouse for the WPA.
A meeting is held at Eitaro Ishigaki's studio to form the American Artists' Congress.
August
WPA hires more Japanese artists.
The New York Shimpo sponsored an exhibition of Japanese art at the ACA Gallery.
May:
Work Progress Administration (WPA) takes place.
Eitaro Ishigaki works on a mural for the Harlem Courthouse for the WPA.
A meeting is held at Eitaro Ishigaki's studio to form the American Artists' Congress.
August
WPA hires more Japanese artists.
1936
February:
The American Artists' Congress is formed under the slogan "Anti-War, Anti-Fascist, In Defense of Culture," led by members of the John Reed Club.
June:
Sakari Suzuki's "Of Her Past" was selected for the first competitive exhibition at the American Artists' Congress.
November:
Sakari Suzuki's solo exhibition was held at the ACA Gallery.
The American Artists' Congress is formed under the slogan "Anti-War, Anti-Fascist, In Defense of Culture," led by members of the John Reed Club.
June:
Sakari Suzuki's "Of Her Past" was selected for the first competitive exhibition at the American Artists' Congress.
November:
Sakari Suzuki's solo exhibition was held at the ACA Gallery.
1937
April:
The first annual exhibition of the American Artists' Congress was held. Six Japanese artists participated in the exhibition.
The first annual exhibition of the American Artists' Congress was held. Six Japanese artists participated in the exhibition.
1937
July:
The Ruho Bridge Incident occurs; The outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War.
The WPA dismisses an artist who does not have U.S. citizenship.
September:
"Exhibition of Paintings by New York Chinese Japanese Artists" is held at the ACA Gallery.
October:
The Nine-Power Treaty is abrogated.
November:
The Nine-Power Summit takes place, but Japan refuses to participate.
December:
The Panay Incident occurred
Japanese anti-war-themed works are exhibited in the American Artists' Congress' special exhibition, "An exhibition of In Defense of World Democracy: Dedicated to the Peoples of Spain and China".
The Ruho Bridge Incident occurs; The outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War.
The WPA dismisses an artist who does not have U.S. citizenship.
September:
"Exhibition of Paintings by New York Chinese Japanese Artists" is held at the ACA Gallery.
October:
The Nine-Power Treaty is abrogated.
November:
The Nine-Power Summit takes place, but Japan refuses to participate.
December:
The Panay Incident occurred
Japanese anti-war-themed works are exhibited in the American Artists' Congress' special exhibition, "An exhibition of In Defense of World Democracy: Dedicated to the Peoples of Spain and China".
1938
May:
The American Artists' Congress held its second annual exhibition, "For Peace, Democracy and Cultural Development." Six Japanese artists, participated in the exhibition.
June:
Nine Japanese artists participated as a group in the 31st New York Municipal Art Exhibition.
December:
Japan withdraws from the United Nations.
The American Artists' Congress held its second annual exhibition, "For Peace, Democracy and Cultural Development." Six Japanese artists, participated in the exhibition.
June:
Nine Japanese artists participated as a group in the 31st New York Municipal Art Exhibition.
December:
Japan withdraws from the United Nations.
1939
February:
The American Artists' Congress holds its third annual exhibition, "Art of the Skyscraper." Five Japanese artists exhibited works with an anti-war theme.
July:
The U.S.-Japan Commerce and Navigation Treaty is abrogated.
August:
The New York Municipal Art Committee is dissolved.
September:
German invasion of Poland leads to the outbreak of the Second World War.
The American Artists' Congress holds its third annual exhibition, "Art of the Skyscraper." Five Japanese artists exhibited works with an anti-war theme.
July:
The U.S.-Japan Commerce and Navigation Treaty is abrogated.
August:
The New York Municipal Art Committee is dissolved.
September:
German invasion of Poland leads to the outbreak of the Second World War.
1940
January:
The U.S.-Japan Commerce and Navigation Treaty is repealed, leaving Japan and the U.S. without a treaty.
April:
The 4th annual American Artists' Congress exhibition, "Art and Democracy" was held. Five Japanese artists participate in the exhibition.
Significant numbers of members withdrawal from the American Artists' Congress.
September:
The Tripartite Pact is formed between Japan, Germany, and Italy.
The U.S.-Japan Commerce and Navigation Treaty is repealed, leaving Japan and the U.S. without a treaty.
April:
The 4th annual American Artists' Congress exhibition, "Art and Democracy" was held. Five Japanese artists participate in the exhibition.
Significant numbers of members withdrawal from the American Artists' Congress.
September:
The Tripartite Pact is formed between Japan, Germany, and Italy.
1941
July:
The U.S. government imposes trade sanctions on Japan, including an embargo of oil exports and freezing of Japanese assets in the United States.
December 7:
Japan bombs Pearl Harbor, leading the U.S. to enter World War II against Japan.
December 12:
Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Chuzo Tamotzu, Thomas Nagai, Sakari Suzuki, Roy Kadowaki, Bunji Tagawa, and Leo Amino of the Committee of Japanese Artists Resident in New York City issue a statement of allegiance to the United States.
The U.S. government imposes trade sanctions on Japan, including an embargo of oil exports and freezing of Japanese assets in the United States.
December 7:
Japan bombs Pearl Harbor, leading the U.S. to enter World War II against Japan.
December 12:
Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Chuzo Tamotzu, Thomas Nagai, Sakari Suzuki, Roy Kadowaki, Bunji Tagawa, and Leo Amino of the Committee of Japanese Artists Resident in New York City issue a statement of allegiance to the United States.
1942
February and March,
Yasuo Kuniyoshi gives speeches on the value of democracy on two occasions in shortwave broadcasts to Japan. Yasuo Kuniyoshi produce anti-war posters at the Office of War Information (OWI).
Chuzo Tamotzu will work for the Office of Strategic Service (OSS).
Yasuo Kuniyoshi gives speeches on the value of democracy on two occasions in shortwave broadcasts to Japan. Yasuo Kuniyoshi produce anti-war posters at the Office of War Information (OWI).
Chuzo Tamotzu will work for the Office of Strategic Service (OSS).