TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR 2025

In its 15th edition, the TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR (TABF) will, for the first time, be held over two separate weeks. Each week will feature a different lineup of exhibitors, further establishing the fair as a key platform for the global art publishing community in all its diversity.

The ninth installment of the “Guest Country” program, which spotlights the publishing culture of a particular country or region, focuses on Italy. The exhibitions, based on the books YES YES YES Revolutionary Press in Italy 1966–1977 , a collection of newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, and ephemera produced in Italy between 1966 and 1977, and Out of the Grid — Italian Zines 1978–2006 , a critical survey of Italian zines published from 1978 to 2006, explores the history of independent publishing in Italy. The program will also include Marchette , an exhibition focusing on the relationship between corporations and publishing in Italian design, as well as a showcase by Corraini—a publisher known for its many picture books by Bruno Munari, Enzo Mari, and Ettore Sottsass.

Other highlights include a photography exhibition by Takashi Homma, featuring portraits of refugees across the world and photos of things each of them considers precious, and an archival presentation by Pace Gallery showcasing invitations, catalogues, and other printed materials from past exhibitions. In keeping with the Christmas season, the “BOOK WRAPPING CORNER” will offer a special wrapping service using original wrapping paper designed by Bruno Munari, Norio Nakamura, and David Horvitz. The fair will also present a range of programs, including talks, workshops, book signings, live performances, the kids’ area “PLAYGROUND,” the community initiative “NEIGHBORS,” and special booths by Sigma, New Balance, MINA (Museum of Imaginary Narrative Arts), Bang & Olufsen Japan, and BEAMS CULTUART.

As a platform where many small communities intersect across cultures and languages, TABF continues to explore the evolving landscape and possibilities of art publishing with all those involved.

EXHIBITORS

Approximately 560 publishers, galleries, and artists from Japan and abroad who create unique art books and zines will take part, with around 280 groups featured each weekend.

https://tokyoartbookfair.com/en/exhibitors/

GUEST COUNTRY vol.9 ITALY

Since 2015, TABF has focused on the publishing culture of a particular country or region through its Guest Country program. Past installments have featured Switzerland, Brazil, Asia (China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore), the United States, the Netherlands, France, the five Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland), and Germany.  The upcoming ninth installment of Guest Country will highlight Italy.

Exhibition① “YES YES YES Revolutionary Press in Italy 1966-1977”

YES YES YES Revolutionary Press in Italy investigates the Italian scene of revolutionary press between 1966 and 1977, a period marked by intense social and political conflict expressed through student revolts, workers’ strikes, the emergence of radical movements, occupations of universities and factories. In this climate, printed media played a fundamental role in the circulation of claims and demands of the movements, while experimenting with visual and artistic languages.
The editorial organs took different forms: news sheets, newspapers, magazines, mimeographs, pamphlets, some daily papers and magazines, and other discontinuous publications, including single editions printed while awaiting authorization for approval. Sometimes the journals were a one-time-only supplement or attachment, ephemeral and volatile. The dynamic printing activities were linked to the political, ideological, antagonist, and counter-cultural struggle of a period of protest and occupation of civil spaces, areas of freedom, and social creativity. TABF will present a select archive of printed matter included in this book.

Exhibition② “OUT OF THE GRID: Italian Zines 1978–2006”

OUT OF THE GRID is an exhibition drawn from the eponymous publication presenting a critical selection of Italian zines produced between 1978 and 2006. Spanning what can be symbolically defined as 'post-movement and pre-internet3.0' era, this research maps a landscape of independent expression and self-publishing across Italy.
Over nearly three decades, these zines trace subtle yet radical transformations in language, form, and urgency, capturing shifts not only in technology but also in how communities articulated dissent, desire, and identity through print, often anticipating the need to expand into new media. The works on view offer a glimpse into Italy’s underground publishing networks—spanning music, social activism, art, and literature—and dissolve the distance between authors and readers.
At TABF, a selection from this rare archive is presented, curated by artist and curator Dafne Boggeri together with SPRINT – Independent Publishers and Artists’ Books Salon, a Milan-based platform she founded in 2013 dedicated to experimental publishing.

Exhibition③ “Marchette”

Marchette explores the enduring tradition of Italian industries commissioning books in collaboration with artists, photographers and designers, from the postwar period to today. Across furniture, lighting, fashion, ceramics and automotive design, companies have invested in printed matter as a way to narrate their identities and values but also to experiment with creativity. The result is publications that move beyond catalogues into spaces where corporate culture meets visual storytelling.
Rather than follow a linear timeline, the display will bring together works in unexpected constellations — linked by design details, material choices or conceptual themes. This approach highlights the many ways in which industry has engaged with publishing, from mid-century experiments to contemporary collaborations. Visitors are invited to trace both the continuity and the surprising resonances and to discover how Italian design firms continue to shape cultural discourse through the book as a medium.

Exhibition④ Bruno Munari “Toc toc. Bruno Munari 1945: dentro i libri!”

Founded in 1973, the Italian art publisher Corraini has developed a cross-disciplinary publishing practice spanning illustration, design, architecture, photography, and children’s literature. Among its history, the relationship with designer Bruno Munari stands out in particular, resulting in a wide range of influential publications.
After the birth of his son Alberto, Munari began work on the historic series Libri del ’45. Through die-cuts, holes, and large, elegant illustrations, the books invite readers into a playful journey of discovery and exploration, allowing them to experience the magic of paper. This series is still regarded today as an outstanding example of book design and construction. Across nine volumes—uniform in format yet each telling a different story—narrative and technical invention proceed hand in hand. Even as the first edition celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2025, the series continues to be recognized as a timeless classic that has never lost its innovative power.
This exhibition takes as its starting point the concepts of the book-object, play, and interaction—principles that Munari consistently pursued in his experiments with children’s books—and offers visitors a path of exploration that allows them to physically step inside the stories. From Toc-toc to Mai contenti, enlarged reproductions of the books and their parts enable both adults and children to lift trapdoors, open doors and windows behind which animals and characters of all kinds are hidden, and from there imagine new stories.
In conjunction with this exhibition, another show tracing the history of Corraini will also be presented.

Cooperation: Corraini

EXHIBITION

Takashi Homma “SONGS – The Most Important Things of Refugees”

Today, more than 120 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and violence. Many had to leave behind everything they held dear and were separated from their families and loved ones. Despite unimaginable hardships, they continue to move forward, striving to build the futures they envision for themselves. Each of these 120 million journeys is unique.
In this project, Japanese photographer Takashi Homma visited the homes of refugees and internally displaced people living in Bangladesh, Colombia, and Japan. Through ongoing conversations and encounters, he captured the personal belongings that carry memories of home—objects that people held onto even in their displacement—and illuminated the individual stories that numbers alone cannot convey. This work, SONGS The Most Important Things of Refugees, was presented as a co-organized initiative by Setouchi Triennale Executive Committee and UNHCR at Setouchi Triennale 2025. 
At TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR, this work is presented alongside Stories of Refugees —a book installation curated by the UNHCR Representation in Japan, featuring books selected under the themes of “refugees” and “peace.” Together, photographs and books form an installation that invites deeper reflection and understanding of refugees.

Organizer: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
Exhibition Support: Sigma 

SPECIAL BOOTH

Sigma

Sigma is a Japanese manufacturer of photographic lenses and cameras. Its Aizu factory, established in 1973, remains the company’s sole manufacturing base, where all stages of production, including the supply chain, are completed in Japan, ensuring high-quality, innovative products. A deep reverence for art has long driven Sigma’s craftsmanship, elevating its technology to artistic heights to honor the passion of creators.
In addition to Sigma’s ongoing commitment to supporting photographic and visual culture through sponsorships, as well as the collection, preservation, and public access of photobooks, they have further embodied their dedication to art by establishing the Sigma Foundation on July 18, 2025. As its inaugural project, the Sigma Foundation published two photobooks by globally acclaimed photographers: HANATABA by Sølve Sundsbø and SONGEN by Julia Hetta. Through direct collaboration with artists and the publication of these works, the foundation is actively advancing its contribution to photographic art.
At TABF, the Sigma Foundation will exhibit works by both artists and offer their photobooks for sale. The presentation is designed to provide a multidimensional experience, blending exhibition and publication to highlight the artists’ unique visual languages and meticulous compositional artistry. Through this exhibition, the Sigma Foundation underscores its profound commitment to photographic culture.

New Balance

The free magazine NOT FAR, produced by TOKYO DESIGN STUDIO New Balance, has been revamped, starting with Issue #11, featuring a new concept and team. The latest issue, launching timed to the TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR, will be distributed free at the venue while supplies last.
Additionally, a special program will connect the TABF venue at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo with T-HOUSE New Balance, the brand’s concept store located nearby in Nihonbashi Hamacho.

100 years of Sound and Design (On view during Week 1 only)
Founded in Denmark in 1925, Bang & Olufsen has been crafting sound and design experiences that continue to evolve with the times. This year, marking its 100th anniversary, the brand has published a commemorative book in collaboration with French publisher Assouline. This exhibition draws on the book to trace a century of Bang & Olufsen’s sound innovations, while also showcasing its iconic products to celebrate the beauty of Scandinavian design and craftsmanship. Be sure to pick up a special zine featuring a playlist curated to help you discover new music.

BEAMS CULTUART（On view during Week 1 only)
BEAMS CULTUART is a project by BEAMS promoting art, entertainment, and design culture globally. At the booth, a curated selection of products showcasing BEAMS’s cultural identity, including items from TOKYO CULTUART by BEAMS, a regular participant of TABF, will be displayed.

MINA（Museum of Imaginary Narrative Arts）
Tokyu Corporation, in collaboration with the artist unit L PACK., will open MINA (Museum of Imaginary Narrative Arts), a new community-driven small museum, in Shibuya 3-chome in April 2026. Partnering with L PACK., who aim to “create coffee-infused landscapes” and “integrate art into daily life,” MINA will function as a café, gallery, and shop, while also serving as an editorial office for its quarterly magazine, a hub for learning programs, a community space, and a center for art initiatives. At the venue, MINA’s inaugural quarterly magazine (Vol. 0) will be distributed, and at the OUTDOOR LOUNGE, visitors will be welcomed by a special MINA-designed Christmas tree.

PLAYGROUND

As part of this year’s Guest Country program featuring Italy, an exhibition by Corraini, a renowned Italian publisher of works by Bruno Munari, Enzo Mari, and others, will be featured, alongside the ART BOOK VENDING MACHINE offering picture books that double as art books. This space will engage both children and adults. Family-friendly events, including workshops and storytelling by artists and TABF exhibitors, will also be held. A reservation-based childcare service is also available.

Cooperation: KODOMONOBUNKA-FUKYUKYOUKAI Co., LTD, Woset

OUTDOOR LOUNGE

A food and drink space curated by L PACK. to bring extra energy to TABF from the outside as well, the OUTDOOR LOUNGE curated by L PACK. will feature food trucks offering coffee, curry, wine, beer, sandwiches, sweets, bento, and ice cream. With a menu to satisfy both hearty appetites and light cravings, this inviting space lets you relax, read newly bought art books, and catch up with old friends. Merchandise will also be available.
Another highlight is the collaboration with MINA (Museum of Imaginary Narrative Arts), a new-style of museum curated and operated by L PACK., opening in Shibuya in April 2026. Enjoy the vibrant, flea market–like atmosphere at your leisure.

L PACK.
A unit formed by Sho Odagiri and Tetsuya Nakajima, both born in 1984 and graduates of Shizuoka University of Art and Culture’s Spatial Design Department. Blending art, design, architecture, and folk craft, they create 'coffee-infused landscapes' using minimal tools and local materials, aiming to integrate seamlessly into the town’s fabric.