Since the mid 1980s, Toshiba has worked in close partnership with the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London to foster greater appreciation of Japanese art, design and culture in the UK. Marking its 40th anniversary in 2026, this enduring collaboration stands as a meaningful symbol of cultural exchange between Japan and the United Kingdom. Supported by the Toshiba International Foundation (TIFO), the partnership underscores Toshiba’s long term commitment to enriching society through culture, education and international dialogue.
Building a Home for Japanese Art in London
Toshiba began sponsoring the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in 1986, at a time when access to Japanese culture in the UK was still relatively limited. Alongside its expanding European presence, the company sought to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan’s rich and nuanced cultural heritage.
Working with the V&A and Toshiba Corporation, Toshiba helped establish what is now the Toshiba Gallery of Japanese Art, one of the UK’s largest permanent displays of Japanese art. The Gallery is recognised as a pioneering initiative — both the UK’s first permanent Japanese art gallery and the V&A’s first corporately sponsored gallery. It spans more than a millennium of creativity, from ceramics, lacquerware and samurai armour to modern design, fashion, photography and contemporary works.
Over four decades, Toshiba’s continued support has enabled the conservation, research and reinterpretation of the V&A’s Japanese collections, alongside exhibitions and learning programmes that broaden public access. What began as a single gallery has evolved into a dynamic cultural platform, reaching diverse audiences and reinforcing the V&A’s role as a global centre for art and design.
Anniversary Reception Opens Alongside Urushi Now
A reception held at V&A South Kensington on 29 April 2026 marked the 40th anniversary of the Toshiba Gallery of Japanese Art, bringing together guests, artists and partners to reflect on the long standing collaboration.
The event coincided with the opening of Urushi Now: Contemporary Japanese Lacquer. In his welcome address, Sir Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, reaffirmed the Museum’s commitment to Japanese art and design and reflected on the Gallery’s enduring significance within the V&A’s history. He also expressed his gratitude to Toshiba for its long term support, including recent lacquer focused initiatives supported by the Toshiba International Foundation (TIFO).
Speaking on behalf of Toshiba, Kei Hirata, President & CEO of Toshiba Europe Limited, reflected on the significance of the 40 year milestone, which follows closely after Toshiba’s 150th anniversary. He noted that innovation is strengthened by culture, history and creativity, and expressed Toshiba’s hope that the Gallery will continue to inspire curiosity and appreciation for Japanese art for generations to come. While Toshiba’s business portfolio has evolved, he remarked, its passion for innovation remains constant. Supporting the Gallery, he added, has been Toshiba’s way of honouring the traditions and craftsmanship that continue to inspire Japan and the world.
Looking ahead, with Toshiba’s sponsorship confirmed through to 2031, both organisations remain committed to working together to attract, inspire and enrich audiences through Japanese culture, art and design.