August 04, 2025

Exhibition of Japanese Icons by Hiroko Kozuki Opens in Kolomenskoye

An exhibition titled ‘Treasures of the Divine World: Japanese Icons by Hiroko Kozuki’ has opened in Kolomenskoye.

The artist from the Land of the Rising Sun offers a unique reinterpretation of ancient Russian icon painting.

The display reflects a profound spiritual connection between the two cultures.

A new exhibition, ‘Treasures of the Divine World’, has opened at the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve, presenting icons by Japanese artist Hiroko Kozuki alongside original 17th-century Russian masterpieces.

Seda Khachatryan, correspondent:

‘In the Palace of Tsar Alexis, the ancient Russian iconographic tradition meets the East. Japanese artist Hiroko Kozuki creates her works according to the strict canons of Russian icon painting, and here they are displayed alongside originals from the 17th century. This exhibition is more than an art project; it is a genuine spiritual bridge between peoples.’

Hiroko Kozuki, an art historian by training who specialised in medieval religious art, has been engaged in icon painting for over 25 years. She is married to the diplomat Toyohisa Kozuki, who served as Japan’s Ambassador to Russia from 2015 to 2023. Having lived in Russia for a total of 17 years, the artist became deeply immersed in the Russian Orthodox tradition, profoundly moved by its spiritual power and aesthetic.

Hiroko Kozuki, artist:

‘It is a special honour to present my icons in the Kolomenskoye Palace. I would like to thank everyone who helped bring this wonderful project to life. Kolomenskoye is one of my favourite weekend retreats; we loved visiting the honey market and walking beneath the apple blossoms, which reminded us of Japan’s sakura. It has been a year and a half since my husband and I returned to Japan, and we often find ourselves missing the beautiful Moscow summers.’

For Hiroko Kozuki, an icon is not merely a work of art but a source of inspiration and a path to happiness. She describes feeling a profound sense of spirituality, grandeur, and peace in Orthodox churches. To her, an icon acts as a bridge between cultures and continents – a universal language of spiritual seeking.

Olga Monakhova, Director of the International Chodiev Foundation’s Representative Office in Russia:

‘It is through culture and beauty that people truly come to know one another. Beauty and love are the only forces that can unite people across the world. Here, a Japanese woman, with her subtle and delicate sense of beauty, has perceived the beauty of Orthodoxy and of icon painting. She began to paint with great professionalism, but most importantly, she began to paint with her soul.’

The exhibition features 23 of Kozuki’s icons, including images of the Holy Trinity, the Transfiguration, the Annunciation, and the Holy Mandylion, alongside the Mother of God, saints, and archangels. The works are accompanied by the artist’s commentaries and photographs from her pilgrimages to Orthodox shrines.

Seda Khachatryan, correspondent:

‘Kozuki’s icon of the ‘Annunciation’, painted in 2016, is based on a 14th-century Byzantine original. It was through Byzantium that the art of icon painting first came to Russia, becoming part of its spiritual DNA.’

This is not the first cultural encounter between Russia and Japan at Kolomenskoye; the museum first presented Russian icons and decorative arts in Tokyo back in 1975. Today, these spiritual bridges continue to be strengthened – not in spite of politics, but through the enduring power of art.

Irina Rodionova, art historian and project curator:

‘We wanted to show that true art and genuine beauty are not confined to a single culture. They are boundless and transcend all barriers. The work of Hiroko Kozuki, in our view, powerfully demonstrates and confirms this idea.’

The artist’s husband, Toyohisa Kozuki, has repeatedly emphasised the importance of cultural dialogue. In a past interview with Alexander Lebedev, Director General of the Big Asia TV channel, he noted that he and his wife travelled extensively across Russia’s regions. He believes that appreciating the rich regional cultures of both countries is key to fostering deeper ties and open dialogue.

Toyohisa Kozuki, Ambassador of Japan to Russia (2015-2023):

‘Japan may be a small country, but each of its prefectures has a unique character. Russia is vast, and it too possesses its own distinct strengths and regional characteristics. Building mutual ties between these regions is what truly deepens the connection between our nations.’

Despite a complex history marked by wars, conflicts, and current political disagreements, something remains constant: a shared aspiration for beauty and goodness, and a mutual respect for one another’s culture. The ‘Treasures of the Divine World’ exhibition is a living testament to this.

Natalia Gorkova, art historian and Deputy Director of the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve:

‘This is undoubtedly a significant step in building a cultural dialogue between our countries. Among artists, creatives, and specialists, there is a great deal of interconnection and contact. We have the utmost respect for Japanese culture, and as these wonderful works and their deep immersion into the subject show, the Japanese equally love and respect Russian culture.’

The ‘Treasures of the Divine World’ exhibition will be open at the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve until the end of October. It is little surprise that the display has already attracted significant interest, demonstrating that the strong cultural ties between Russia and Japan can overcome any barrier.

Seda Khachatryan, correspondent:

‘Where politicians draw borders, art builds bridges. This exhibition is more than a meeting of two cultures. Japan and Russia may be different, but we are united in our pursuit of light, goodness, and beauty. Art is our common language.’