Momotani Juntankan is supporting the special exhibition “The Tale of Genji: Courtly Splendor,” which opens at the Kyoto National Museum in Kyoto on October 6, 2026. The 141-year-old cosmetics company is backing the exhibition as part of its efforts to help preserve and pass on Japan’s traditional culture and heritage of beauty.
The exhibition runs at the Heisei Chishinkan from October 6 to November 29, with selected works changing between the first and second display periods. A special museum shop will also offer six cosmetics from Meishoku Cosmetics, a Momotani Juntankan group company, each accompanied by a sticker featuring imagery from The Tale of Genji.
The lineup includes Meishoku Biken Water Medicated Lotion, Meishoku Biken Medicated Facial Wash, Meishoku Adult Biken Water, Mofumofriends All-in-One Gel, DET Clear Peeling Jelly (Fragrance-Free), and Meishoku Okusama Astrinzen. The announcement does not specify prices for these products.
About the Tale of Genji Exhibition
The exhibition explores the culture and aesthetic sensibilities of the Heian court through The Tale of Genji, one of Japan’s best-known literary works. Momotani Juntankan says the sponsorship reflects its long-running interest in supporting art and cultural projects, as well as its connection to Japan’s beauty traditions through cosmetics.
Highlights
- The Kyoto National Museum is hosting a large-scale Tale of Genji exhibition for the first time in about 50 years.
- The oldest surviving illustrated scroll of The Tale of Genji, a national treasure, will be shown throughout the exhibition, with scenes changed during the run.
- The exhibition includes important artworks returning from overseas, along with craft works designated as national treasures or important cultural properties.
- Kyoto’s topical display focuses on Noh, while the Tokyo presentation will focus on ukiyo-e.
- The special shop cosmetics come with stickers featuring Tale of Genji imagery.
Exhibition & Shop Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | The Tale of Genji: Courtly Splendor |
| Menu / items | Meishoku Biken Water Medicated Lotion; Meishoku Biken Medicated Facial Wash; Meishoku Adult Biken Water; Mofumofriends All-in-One Gel; DET Clear Peeling Jelly (Fragrance-Free); Meishoku Okusama Astrinzen |
| Period | October 6, 2026 (Tue) – November 29, 2026 (Sun). First display: October 6 – November 1. Second display: November 3 – November 29. |
| Location | Heisei Chishinkan, Kyoto National Museum, Kyoto |
| Stores | Kyoto National Museum special shop |
| Price | Not specified in the release |
| Official website | Official website |
Before you buy
- When can I buy the six Meishoku cosmetics?
- The cosmetics are scheduled to be sold at the Kyoto National Museum special shop during the exhibition period, from October 6 to November 29, 2026. Prices were not specified in the announcement.
- Where can I get the Tale of Genji stickered cosmetics?
- They will be available at the special shop inside the Kyoto National Museum exhibition venue.
The exhibition will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with admission until 5:00 p.m. On Fridays, hours extend to 8:00 p.m., with admission until 7:30 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays, except for October 12 and November 23, which are public holidays. It will instead be closed on October 13 and November 24.
Among the featured works is a section of “Aoi” from the Tale of Genji Picture Scroll, the Moriyasu version, dating from the Edo period in the 17th century and held by the Kyoto National Museum. The display brings together literature, painting, clothing, furnishings, and craft traditions connected with the courtly world described in the classic story.
Momotani Juntankan was founded in 1885 and is known for products including Biken Water, described by the company as a long-selling product dating back to its founding. The museum-shop selection links that cosmetics heritage with the exhibition’s focus on the history of Japanese beauty.
