TL;DR
The world-renowned Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama is coming home with his biggest retrospective ever: SORAYAMA: Light, Transparency, Reflection -TOKYO-, opening March 14, 2026, at CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO in Kyobashi.
The exhibition spans nearly five decades of work — from his 1978 robot paintings for a whisky ad to his newest sculptures, canvases, original designs for Sony’s AIBO, and immersive video installations.
Organized into nine sections, the show includes galleries of classic works, a special “Archive Room,” and immersive installations like a “Mirror Maze” that plays with reflection and light.
The retrospective reflects Sorayama’s lifelong pursuit of “light, transparency and reflection,” exploring how paint and sculpture can evoke air, shine, and mechanical beauty.
The exhibition runs through May 31, 2026 — offering a rare chance to experience the vast scope of Sorayama’s influence on art, design, sci-fi, fashion, and popular culture.
What is SORAYAMA: Light, Transparency, Reflection — TOKYO — and why it matters
The upcoming exhibition is the most expansive retrospective of Sorayama’s career yet, gathering works from the late 1970s to the present and highlighting his unique fusion of hyperrealism, sci-fi aesthetics, and philosophical reflection.
Sorayama is internationally recognized for his hyperrealistic, chrome-sheened “Sexy Robot” illustrations — blending human sensuality, futuristic robots, and otherworldly creatures. The Tokyo exhibition continues a recent wave of global interest following a previous showing abroad, bringing his legacy back to Japan for what many expect to be a defining cultural event.
For longtime fans, art lovers, and newcomers alike, the retrospective offers a rare opportunity to trace Sorayama’s influence across decades — from early illustration work to large-scale sculpture, digital installations, and collaborations with major brands.
What you’ll see — Highlights of the exhibition
Early works & first robot painting (1978): The show includes Sorayama’s very first robot illustration — made for a whisky advertisement — tracing the origins of his signature futuristic aesthetic.
Iconic robots, dinosaurs, and creatures: Beyond humanoid robots, the exhibition features works depicting mechanical dinosaurs, unicorns, and other imaginative creatures — demonstrating Sorayama’s wide-ranging vision of a mechanical future.
Original design works: Key pieces include the original drawings for Sony’s entertainment robot dog AIBO, as well as artwork once used in commercial design and album covers (such as for rock band Aerosmith).
Sculptures & video installations: Visitors can expect new sculptural works and immersive digital/video installations — enhancing the sensory experience and highlighting Sorayama’s exploration of light, surface, and material illusion.
Archive Room & historical context: The exhibition also presents archives documenting collaborations with fashion houses and luxury brands — a testament to how Sorayama’s futuristic vision has permeated design, fashion, and pop culture.
See also
When and where: Must-see for art and sci-fi fans
The exhibition opens March 14, 2026, and runs through May 31, 2026. It will be held at CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO, located in Kyobashi, Tokyo.
This will be a rare, large-scale survey of Sorayama’s full career in Tokyo — likely his most comprehensive presentation ever. For international fans or those passionate about art, design, robots, or sci-fi, it’s shaping up to be a must-see.
Hajime Sorayama/Creative Museum
AloJapan.com