Question:
What is the difference between the print edition of Bijutsu Shijō and this website?
Answer:
The print edition of *Bijutsu Shijō* (The Art Market) is a highly specialized annual publication that has gracefully endured for more than four decades, thanks to the warm and enduring support of the Japanese art community. Intended primarily for art dealers, collectors, and professionals, its pages consist almost entirely of written content. Enriched by domain-specific terminology and carefully considered abbreviations, it offers even the most experienced readers a trove of valuable insights, steeped in tradition.
Conversely, this website has been conceived to mirror the evolving nature of artistic exchange. Through thoughtfully curated exhibition notes and refined brochures, it seeks to share the present spirit of Japanese art with both national and international audiences. Combining visuals with descriptive prose, the site offers an accessible lens into the singularity of each artist and their body of work.
While the print edition serves as a dignified vessel of documentation and professional acknowledgement, the website opens a more fluid window to discovery and dialogue, conveying the essence of Japan’s art culture with elegance and openness.
Additionally, those who purchase the print edition are invited to register by returning the enclosed reply postcard, enabling their name to be included in our “Members Index.” If the individual maintains an official website or social media presence, links may also be added to their entry.
Members may opt to feature their personalized QR code—available in the online version of the Index—on contemporary promotional materials such as exhibition flyers, artist profiles, or portfolio sheets. When scanned by a recipient, the code guides them to the Members Index page, automatically centering the display upon the corresponding entry. This discreet yet refined functionality not only fosters meaningful connections but also highlights each member’s affiliation with grace and precision.
By clicking this QR code, visitors are brought directly to the relevant page online—honouring and extending the artistic bonds that have quietly flourished through time.
These initiatives arise from our enduring commitment to cultivating the warm relationships built steadily and sincerely with those who lend their heartfelt support to Japanese art.