Osaka developed as a city of commerce and industry, forming a cultural area distinct from Tokyo and Kyoto and fostering artistic culture that is both outstanding and unique. Referencing artistic styles from the Edo Period, the art of modern Osaka enjoyed the support of the city's merchant culture. Unhampered by traditional conventions, it blossomed into free and open-minded artistic expression with great richness and variety. From the Taisho Period to the early Showa Period in particular, painting circles reached their heyday, with very distinctive works being created by artists such as Kitano Tsunetomi, Shima Seien, Suga Tatehiko, and Yano Kyoson.

This exhibition focuses on modern Osaka Nihonga from the Meiji Period to the Showa Period, presenting about 150 works by over fifty painters. It also looks at the backstories behind the creation of the art, giving a deeper understanding of the appeal of individual works and the roles of the gadan painting circles, as well as revealing the urban culture of Osaka that remains an influence to the present day.