Greeting upon Appointment as the New Representative Director
On August 1, 2025, Koji Kinutani, the founding Representative Director of the Koji Kinutani Art Foundation, passed away peacefully. I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the kindness and warm support you extended to him during his lifetime.
I am writing to formally announce that, as of August 25, 2025, I, Hiromi Kinutani, have assumed the role of Representative Director of the Foundation. While I am mindful of the weight of this responsibility, I am firmly committed to carrying forward the late Director’s legacy and dedicating myself wholeheartedly to this mission.
Koji Kinutani lived his 82-year creative journey with unwavering passion, facing his canvas until his very last moment. Born in the ancient capital of Nara during the final years of World War II, he grew up in solitude, separated from his parents. Yet, he eventually became a painter who cast his gaze upon the world. He was awakened by the light of Italy, sang hymns to life, confronted sorrow, and built a rich tapestry of encounters with diverse lands and people across the globe.
At the core of his 82-year journey, there was always a steady current of “Love.” In his later years, Koji often spoke of the concept of “Funi-homon” (Non-Duality) from the Vimalakirti Sutra—the idea that seemingly opposing concepts are not separate, but coexist as one. Water and oil, man and woman, sun and moon, war and peace. He believed that these elements, though appearing different at first glance, are part of a single whole. I believe his artistic expression was a continuous quest for peace, entrusted to love, even in such a complex world.
On April 19, 2026, we will open “KINUTANI Art Place Hiroo” in Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
In this intimate space, we hope that the artistic career of Koji Kinutani will resonate with the “joy of creation” and the “power of imagination” that reside within each and every visitor. Through our art-making events, we aim to provide moments of delight and fulfillment where everyone can freely express and share their unique visions.
The Foundation will continue to fulfill its mission of contributing to society through art awards and the promotion of figurative painting, taking new steps forward to ensure that Koji’s devotion to art is passed on to the next generation.
We humbly ask for your continued guidance and support.
Hiromi Kinutani Representative Director Koji Kinutani Art Foundation
Overview
| Legal Name | Koji Kinutani Art Foundation (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation) |
| Location | 4-6-15 Seijo, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo |
| Established | April 1, 2022 |
| Representative Director | Hiromi Kinutani |
| Directors | Hojiro Otaka Hitoshi Murakami |
| Auditor | Taku Umezawa |
| Trustees | Toshiro Muto Seiichi Shimada Kota Kinutani |
| Executive Director | Kenji Kinutani |
| Chief, Archives and Research Department | Ryosuke Yamakoshi |
| Article of Incorporation | Koji Kinutani Art Foundation Articles of Incorporation (PDF/148KB) |
| Balance Sheets | Fiscal Year 2022 Balance Sheet (PDF/19KB) Fiscal Year 2023 Balance Sheet (PDF/69KB) Fiscal Year 2024 Balance Sheet (PDF/7KB) |