January 31, – April 5, 2026

In the early 1970s, photographer Takashi Katahira (1943-2025) began to use “salt” as a theme in his work. Starting in Africa, he traveled to salt lakes, salt flats, salt mines, and solar salt fields around the world, releasing numerous works telling of the global conditions surrounding salt, which differ greatly from those in Japan. As his work shows us the beauty of landscape photography capturing forms created by salt, it also teaches us how salt is a necessity for humanity. Katahira’s works, combined with the information gained from continuing to stand wherever Earth’s salt is found and snap photographs there, have become important resources supporting the museum’s activities. Sadly, Katahira passed away in the spring of 2025, but it seems unlikely that another photographer will ever travel the world focusing on the theme of salt with such breadth and depth. His themes spanning 50 years as a photographer have included not only salt, but also stars, sand, and snow.
This exhibition presents the diverse forms of the salt of the earth that those of us living in Japan may not even be able to imagine, through approximately 80 pieces showing us wondrous sights around the world.

[General admission fees]

General (Adults and university students)
individual:300yen

Children and pupils of primary, juniorhigh, and high schools
individual:100yen

Visitors over 65 years old
individual:100yen

※Free admission for up to 1 accompanying person with disabilities upon presentation of a disability certificate (Mirairo ID is acceptable).

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  The Uyuni Salt Flats in the dry season, Bolivia
  Photography：Takashi Katahira

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  A salt caravan from the Taoudenni Salt Mine, Mali
  Photography：Takashi Katahira