Japan Unveils a Century of Craft With A Collection of Chairs From Danish Designer Hans Wegner
Professor Oda Noritsugu has one of the largest private collections of chairs in the world, acquiring more than 1,400 20th-century vintage chairs. Now, Mr. Oda is publicly sharing his collection of over 160 chairs, which mainly focuses on Wegner’s work.
Words by Foli Creppy | 2 Minute Read
KENTAUROS YASUNAGA/ODA COLLECTION
Tokyo is set to host a unique exhibition dedicated to the work of Hans J. Wegner, the iconic Danish designer renowned for his innovative furniture designs. The exhibition begins from December 2, 2025, to January 18, 2026, at Hikarie Hall in Shibuya, and will feature Wegner's most extensive retrospective—over 160 authentic chairs, including iconic pieces like the elegant Wishbone Chair (CH24), continuously produced since 1950, and "The Chair" (The Round Chair), famously featured in the 1960 televised debate between Nixon and Kennedy, cemented his global renown. The groundbreaking Shell Chair (CH07) further illustrates his innovative spirit.
Hans Jørgensen Wegner (1914-2007) is often glorified as the "King of Chairs," reflecting his influence during the "Golden Age" of mid-century modernism. His philosophy centered on the idea of "continuous purification," a commitment to distilling forms down to their simplest and most functional essence. As a trained cabinetmaker, Wegner's intimate understanding of wood and craftsmanship gave rise to designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and remarkably durable. His goal was straightforward: to create beautifully crafted chairs accessible to everyone.
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The exhibition includes the remarkable collection of Oda Noritsugu, who has dedicated his life to the appreciation of furniture design. Awarded the 2015 "1st Hans J. Wegner Award," Oda possesses what is widely considered the world’s largest private chair collection. His admiration for Wegner lies in the unique ability of these chairs to provide immediate comfort—a testament to their ergonomic design and functional elegance. Oda's passion emphasizes Wegner's talent for merging masterful aesthetics with efficient production, offering quality that remains approachable.
This exhibition is not only for showcasing Wegner’s designs but also for its reflection on the deep cultural connections between Danish and Japanese design philosophies. Both traditions emphasize minimalist beauty—focusing on clean lines and simplicity, an appreciation for natural materials, and a commitment to functionality. Historically, Japanese art has significantly influenced Scandinavian design, merging refined lines and natural motifs, a phenomenon referred to as "Japonisme." Conversely, the minimalist aesthetics of Danish modernism have resonated with Japanese designers, exemplified by Tadao Ando’s use of Wegner's Wishbone Chairs in his workspace and his collaborative efforts with Carl Hansen & Søn on innovative projects.
The "Japan’s Largest Hans Wegner Retrospective" is much more than an exhibition; it is a cultural dialogue that invites viewers to engage with design history, appreciate the mastery of craftsmanship, explore cultural intersections, and find inspiration in simplicity and utility. Whether you are an avid collector, a design student, or simply a lover of beautifully crafted objects rich with history, this exhibition offers an immersive experience that highlights the genius of Hans J. Wegner and the timeless allure of furniture design. For more information regarding tickets and admission will be available on the Bunkamura website.
Exhibition Details
Artist: Hans J. Wegner
Duration: Dec 02, 2025 - Jan 18, 2026
Fee: TBD
Venue: Shibuya Hikarie Hall
Location: 9F Shibuya Hikarie, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002
Direction: Direct walk from exit B5 at Shibuya Station on the Fukutoshin and Hanzomon lines or Tokyu Den-en-toshi line, Direct walk from the 2nd floor passageway of Shibuya Station on the JR or Keio line.
Jul 09, 2025
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