The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto presents "Shokkan," an exhibition curated by Akiko Takesue that explores the Japanese concept of touch in art. Despite the challenge of displaying tactile experiences behind glass, the show succeeds by featuring historic Japanese works—such as kimonos, tea bowls, ukiyo-e prints, and netsuke—alongside contemporary pieces by artists like Issey Miyake, Tabaimo, Makiko Hattori, and Emma Nishimura. Interactive stations allow visitors to handle replicas and less valuable objects, including samurai swords, scrolls, and netsuke, to physically engage with the theme.
The exhibition matters because it redefines touch as a multisensory experience tied to emotion, memory, and language, bridging historical and modern Japanese art. By drawing largely from the ROM's own collection and incorporating hands-on elements, "Shokkan" challenges traditional museum conventions and invites deeper cultural understanding. It also highlights the work of contemporary artists addressing themes of internment and fragility, making the show relevant to both art history and current social discourse.