Historic and Modern Tokyo in Focus at Nepal Art Council Gallery

Travelling exhibition highlights social, economic and architectural evolution of Japan’s capital

The Embassy of Japan in Nepal and The Japan Foundation are hosting a travelling photography exhibition titled “Tokyo Before/After” in Kathmandu from February 28 to March 18.
The exhibition is being held at the Nepal Art Council Gallery in Babar Mahal and will remain open to visitors daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, except on March 2 and March 5. Entry is free for the public. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for 3:00 pm on February 27.
Featuring around 80 carefully curated photographs, the exhibition presents a compelling visual narrative of Tokyo’s dramatic transformation over the decades. It juxtaposes archival images from the 1930s and 1940s with contemporary photographs taken after 2010, offering a striking “before-and-after” perspective of the Japanese capital.
Through this comparative display, visitors can observe the sweeping social, economic, and architectural changes that have reshaped Tokyo into one of the world’s leading megacities. From post-war reconstruction to rapid urban modernization, the exhibition captures the resilience and dynamism that define the city’s evolution.
Organizers said the initiative aims to promote Japanese culture and art while deepening public understanding of Tokyo’s historical journey and global significance. Beyond documenting physical changes in the urban landscape, the photographs also reflect broader themes of development, innovation, and cultural continuity.
The Embassy of Japan expressed hope that the exhibition will attract photography enthusiasts, students, artists, and the general public alike. By presenting Tokyo’s transformation through powerful visual storytelling, the organizers believe the event will foster cultural exchange and strengthen ties between Japan and Nepal.
As Kathmandu hosts this unique showcase, visitors are offered a rare opportunity to witness how time, history, and vision have shaped one of Asia’s most iconic cities.