Ms. Shino Ikenami presented 12 pieces of Akira Nakao’s collection to “Yasuo Kozuki Museum of Art”.

Donated works will be on special display until January 2025

On Thursday, October 17, 2024, a ceremony was held at the Yasuo Kozuki Museum of Art in the Misumi district to present the collection of actor Akira Nakao, who passed away in May of this year.

Before his death, Akira Nakao mentioned Yasuo Kagetsu as his favorite painter and his works were also in his collection. The donor is Mr. Nakao's wife, actress Shino Ikenami.

The 12 donated works will be on special display at the museum until January 13, 2025 (Monday, national holiday).

Akira Nakao Collection Receiving Ceremony

The ceremony was attended by Shino Ikenami, Mayor Ehara, and other concerned parties.

Mr. Ikenami said, "It's a pity that (Akira) Nakao and I couldn't come together, but I am relieved that we were able to donate the film. I would be happy if everyone could see it." He also greeted the audience.

This donation was a promise that they had made together since before Mr. Nakao's death.

Of the 12 works, "The Roof of Paris," in particular, is a series of works from No. 1 to No. 10, and Ikenami said he did not want them to be broken up into pieces.

Mr. Ikenami then presented a catalog to Nagato Mayor Tatsuya Ehara, who presented a certificate of appreciation.

Mayor Ehara said, "We are grateful for the donation of these valuable works. We will exhibit and store them as Nagato's treasures and leave them for future generations. We would like to exhibit and preserve them as Nagato's treasures for future generations," said Mayor Ehara.

Surrounding interview

In an interview, Mr. Ikenami spoke about Mr. Nakao's thoughts on Yasuo Kozuki's works and his memories of the donated works.

When asked about the appeal of Kozuki's works, he replied with a big smile, "I can spend many evenings talking with Mr. Nakao.

An exhibition of donated works from the Akira Nakao Collection is currently being held!

The following 12 works donated by Yasuo Kozuki will be on view at the museum until January 13, 2025 (Monday, national holiday).
Roofs of Paris" No.1-10
・"Red Still Life"
・"Fig

Visitors can enjoy lithographs and ceramic works, each using different materials and techniques.

Among them, "The Roof of Paris" No. 1-3 were the works that saw the end of Mr. Nakao's life.

We hope you will enjoy the works of Mr. Nakao, who respected painter Yasuo Kouzuki and was involved in creative activities himself, and who kept them close to him until the end of his life.