Back in the 1980s, Japan was the king of the art world. Japanese collectors splurged billions on European masterpieces, turning the art market into a serious investment hub. But after the bubble economy burst, the country’s art scene quieted down. Now, Japan is hoping for a comeback.

Take artist Yuko Mohri, for example. Known for her quirky installations, she once filled the Japanese Pavilion at the Venice Biennale with rotting fruit powering hanging lights. It was a hit, but Mohri didn’t expect it to align with what she thought Japan wanted from its artists. “It started out as a joke,” she admitted. Yet, her success highlights a broader push by officials, gallerists, and business leaders to reignite Japan’s artistic spark on the global stage.

In the ’80s, Japan’s strong currency and government-backed campaigns drove jaw-dropping art sales. Collectors snapped up works by Renoir, Monet, and even Van Gogh’s “Portrait of Dr. Gachet,” which sold for a record-breaking $82.5 million in 1990. But when the economy tanked, so did the art market. Museums faced budget cuts, and collectors sold off their prized pieces overseas.

Today, Japan is working hard to inspire a new generation of art lovers and creators. The goal? Recapture the cultural clout it once enjoyed. Whether it’s through bold new artists like Mohri or renewed investment in the arts, the country is determined to make its mark again.

Could Japan’s art scene rise to its former glory? Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear: it’s ready to shine.