Curators of Western and Japanese Modern Art at SOMPO Museum of Art in Tokyo, Japan

Organisation: SOMPO Museum of Art / SOMPO Museum of Art Foundation
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Salary: JPY ¥3,000,000–¥6,000,000 per annum, depending on experience
Contract: Full-time, permanent (six-month probationary period)
Positions available: 2
Start date: 1 April 2027
Application deadline: 27 November 2026 (postmark deadline)

This listing has been translated from Japanese. Although no formal Japanese-language requirement is specified, proficiency in Japanese is likely necessary for the role.

SOMPO Museum of Art in Tokyo is seeking two Curators specialising in Western Modern Art and Japanese Modern Art to support the research, management and presentation of its collections.

The positions offer opportunities to develop exhibitions, conduct art historical research and contribute to the museum’s educational programmes and curatorial activities.

Key Responsibilities

The museum is recruiting for two areas of specialisation:

A. Curator of Western Modern Art

• Research, acquire, document and manage artworks and archival materials relating to Western modern art.
• Plan and organise exhibitions focusing on Western modern art.
• Contribute to educational and public engagement activities.
• Support the FACE art competition and exhibition.
• Undertake general curatorial responsibilities within the museum.

B. Curator of Japanese Modern Art

• Research, acquire, document and manage artworks and archival materials relating to Japanese modern art.
• Develop exhibitions and educational programmes.
• Support the FACE art competition and exhibition.
• Conduct research and collections management relating to the works and archival materials of artist Seiji Togo.
• Contribute to the museum’s wider curatorial operations.

Requirements

Applicants must have completed, or be due to complete, a master’s degree specialising in art history. They must also hold, or expect to obtain by 31 March 2027, a museum curator qualification recognised under Japanese law.

Additional requirements depend on the position:

• Western Modern Art: Specialisation in Western modern art, particularly painting, with an emphasis on French art. English proficiency is essential, while French language skills and international study or professional experience are advantageous.
• Japanese Modern Art: Specialisation in Japanese modern art from the late Edo and Meiji periods through the Shōwa period, particularly Western-style and Japanese-style painting.

Employment Conditions

The positions offer an annual salary of JPY ¥3,000,000–¥6,000,000, determined by experience and qualifications.

Working hours are generally 9:00–17:00, with Sundays, Mondays, public holidays and year-end holidays designated as regular days off. Occasional weekend and holiday work may be required.

Benefits include salary increases, bonuses, retirement allowances, commuting expenses and social insurance.

Application deadline: 27 November 2026 (postmark deadline).

Image: Courtesy of SOMPO Museum of Art.