This course covers Japanese visual arts from the Meiji era (1868-1912) through the present day. The course is designed thematically as well as chronologically, and examines painting, sculpture and architecture focusing on both socio-political contexts and artistic concerns that emerged at certain times in recent Japanese history. The aim of this course is to provide first-hand knowledge of Japanese modern and contemporary visual arts as well as an in-depth consideration of some of the key issues attached to Japan's modernization and modernity.