Due to the art stars such as Takashi Murakami and Yoshitomo Nara, the popularity of Japanese contemporary art has rocketed in recent years. The number of new galleries established in Japan continues to increase, at the same time the number of galleries that participate in international art fairs. Taking into consideration of rising popularity and the massive increase of gallery applicants, ART FAIR TOKYO has added a second venue called Marunouchi TOKIA (@TOKIA) to serve as a special-feature of ART FAIR TOKYO2009 exhibition space. Conveniently located next to the Tokyo International Forum, this space will introduce about thirty additional fresh galleries, all of which have been established within the past five years. These galleries, both domestic and international, focus on cutting-edge contemporary art.

ART FAIR TOKYO2009 will be the largest art fair we have ever presented with more than 140 exhibitors. This year ART FAIR TOKYO is pleased to present work from 18 international galleries originating from 13 countries and cities from around the world. From Tokyo one will be able to explore art from the United States, Canada, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Russia, Korea, China, Hong-Kong, and Taiwan.

As of recent, the collector market's expectation toward the Japanese art market has grown. In Japan, a growing trend which can be summed up as a movement based on the concept of "From viewing art to collecting art” has become firmly established. Although the current world economic conditions may be unstable, ART FAIR TOKYO continuously strives to exist as an innovative experience and vehicle for the Japanese art market.

"Dialogues in Art", our popular talk event will feature a series of discussions and symposiums on topics such as "Diversity in the Art Forms", "The Possibilities of the Web in the Art World" and "The Trend in Art Market and Asia". These discussions are influenced by the recent drastic transformations of world affairs, and energized by an ever-evolving sophisticated society. ART FAIR TOKYO2009 has invited several leading experts in contemporary culture to take part in these events.

For 2009, ART FAIR TOKYO a total of 13 committee members are representing various galleries, for 2009 new committees will also be introduced. These include Shibuya Kuroda Toen, Eiji Nishikawa, Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, and SHIBUNKAKU for antiques, Shunsei Gallery for Nihonga, YAMAMOTO GENDAI and Taka Ishii Gallery for contemporary art.