36th Praemium Imperiale Honors Global Artists in Tokyo Ceremony

The 36th Praemium Imperiale award ceremony was held on October 22. This prestigious international art prize, organized by the Japan Art Association under the patronage of Prince Hitachi (Masahito), honors outstanding artists from around the world.

The ceremony took place at the Meiji Kinenkan in Moto-Akasaka, Tokyo, with Princess Hitachi (Hanako) in attendance. This year, five artists were recognized across five categories, including Peter Doig in the painting category, bringing the total number of laureates to 185.

Congratulatory Messages

At the event, Takamitsu Kumasaka, councilor of the Japan Art Association, stated, "Through the Praemium Imperiale, we will continue striving to advance art and culture and contribute, even in small ways, to peace and prosperity in the world."

Former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida paid tribute to the awardees, saying, "I express my deep respect for your long-standing dedication to the creation of art and culture and for the great achievements you have built."

Presentation of Medals

Princess Hitachi then presented medals to the five laureates and read a message on behalf of her husband.

Speaking on behalf of all recipients, Sir András Schiff, laureate in the music category, remarked that science and art are what distinguish humans from other creatures. Schiff noted that, although the quality or value of art cannot be measured like science, it will continue to endure.

*András Schiff, music laureate, receives a medal from Princess Hitachi on October 22. (©Sankei by Masahiro Sakai)*

During the subsequent celebration, a congratulatory message from Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike was read: "Precisely because we live in an unstable and uncertain age, culture and the arts, which bring healing and hope to people and serve as bridges between different values, are needed more than ever."

Press Conference

The five laureates attended a group press conference on October 21 at The Okura Tokyo in Toranomon, sharing their thoughts on receiving the award and their future creative endeavors.

Peter Doig

Peter Doig, laureate in the painting category, emphasized the importance of art as a witness to its time. "I believe art remains essential not only for exploring beauty and memory, but for helping us understand the world as it is," he said.

He advised younger artists that the road ahead is long but urged them never to give up, cautioning against letting the art market, galleries, or art fairs reduce art to merely a job.

*Peter Doig during an interview on October 21. (©Sankei by Masahiro Sakai)*

Marina Abramović

Performance art pioneer Marina Abramović, laureate in the sculpture category, often uses her own body in her work and sometimes involves the audience. She spoke poetically about the essence of her art, emphasizing that what matters most are human emotion and passion. Abramović reaffirmed her lifelong commitment to performance, saying she intends to continue performing for the rest of her life — as she approaches her 80th birthday next year.

Eduardo Souto de Moura

Eduardo Souto de Moura, laureate in the architecture category, said that reading Junichiro Tanizaki's essay In Praise of Shadows made him realize that "building a home requires not only light but also shadow." He added, "Modern architecture has become polarized between dark and bright. Tanizaki's book taught me the importance of gray."

Reflecting on his visit to the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto, he remarked, "Even the same full moon looks different there. Including the gardens, Japanese architecture reshapes nature."

*Eduardo Souto de Moura during an interview on October 21. (©Sankei by Yasuhiro Yajima)*

András Schiff

Renowned pianist Sir András Schiff, laureate in the music category, reflected on the role of music in a troubled world. While acknowledging that music cannot solve all problems, he said that concerts and the moments that follow them can make the world a better place. He expressed his enduring belief in the power of music.

Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker

Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, choreographer and director of the company Rosas and laureate in the theatre/film category, expressed her joy at receiving the award. De Keersmaeker also noted Japan's vital role in her artistic career. She highlighted how dance blends abstraction with a celebration of humanity.

"Dance is the most contemporary and timeless of all the arts," she said.

*Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker during an interview on October 21. (©Sankei by Ryosuke Kawaguchi)*

Reception Highlights

During the cocktail reception and celebratory banquet, the five award recipients mingled with friends and fellow artists, exchanging congratulations.

Contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, the 2009 laureate in the painting category, congratulated Peter Doig, this year's recipient in the same category. Doig mentioned his plans to visit Sugimoto's gallery on Naoshima Island in Kagawa Prefecture.

*Peter Doig (left) and Hiroshi Sugimoto before the award ceremony on October 22. (©Sankei by Ryosuke Kawaguchi)*

Meeting Old Friends

Marina Abramović reconnected with Fujiko Nakaya, the 2018 laureate in sculpture, best known for her "fog sculptures." The two have known each other for over 20 years. Nakaya remarked on the longevity of their friendship and Abramović noted that Nakaya had always been present wherever she went.

*Marina Abramović and Fujiko Nakaya before the award ceremony on October 22. (©Sankei by Kazuya Kamogawa)*

Eduardo Souto de Moura engaged in a lively conversation with architectural historian Riichi Miyake. When Miyake remarked that the atmosphere in Porto, Souto de Moura's hometown, was very different from Lisbon, the architect replied with a hint of regret that most travelers only ever see Lisbon.

*Eduardo Souto de Moura and Riichi Miyake before the award ceremony on October 22. (©Sankei by Masahiro Sakai)*

Having visited Japan after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, Souto de Moura also reflected on a connection between Lisbon and Japan's Tohoku region, recalling the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

Celebrating Music

András Schiff was warmly greeted by conductor Naoto Otomo, who shared that he had admired Schiff since his youth and hoped they might perform together someday. Schiff suggested playing Bartók's Piano Concerto No. 3, sparking an animated exchange.

Later, Schiff reflected that, music continues to play an important role even in turbulent times, to which Otomo responded that they could explore this idea together.

*András Schiff and conductor Naoto Otomo before the award ceremony on October 22. (©Sankei by Masahiro Sakai)*

Composer Toshio Hosokawa congratulated Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker. Since both are frequent travelers, De Keersmaeker asked if Hosokawa was staying in Tokyo for a while. When Schiff and his wife joined the group, De Keersmaeker introduced Hosokawa, mentioning that she had directed one of his operas and had found it a wonderful experience.