"Ukiyoe Immersive Art Museum GINZA" Art Gallery Presenter

Opening in spring 2027 in Ginza, Tokyo, the "Ukiyoe Immersive Art Museum GINZA" is the first permanent venue and the culmination of "The Ukiyoe Immersive Art Exhibition", which has drawn a cumulative audience of more than 500,000 people across nine cities in Japan and overseas. Built on more than 300 works by world-renowned ukiyo-e artists including Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Utagawa Hiroshige, Kitagawa Utamaro, Toshusai Sharaku and Utagawa Kunisada, it is an immersive digital art museum where visitors experience a new kind of digital art, created with state-of-the-art 3DCG animation and projection mapping, across eight themed three-dimensional projection spaces. The art gallery beside the museum shop exhibits and sells original ukiyo-e, from Edo-period prints to modern woodblock works and contemporary reproductions.

[Official website of "Ukiyoe Immersive Art Museum GINZA"]

https://www.ukiyoeimmersiveart.com/ginza

About "Ukiyoe Immersive Art Museum GINZA"

• Name: Ukiyoe Immersive Art Museum GINZA

• Opening: Spring 2027 (planned) *Details to be announced

• Location: Inside a commercial facility in Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo *Details to be announced

• Opening hours: 10:00-20:00 (last admission 19:00) *Planned

• Closed: In line with the closing days of the facility

• Planning, production and supervision: HITOHATA, TV Aichi (ukiyo-e and Edo culture supervision: Masumi Horiguchi)

Job description

The Art Gallery Presenter at "Ukiyoe Immersive Art Museum GINZA" combines work at the museum with work at the office. At the museum you sell and interpret original ukiyo-e in the art gallery beside the museum shop, acquire works for the collection, and curate and write the interpretation for the ukiyo-e on display in the museum. At the office you mainly manage ASSOCIATE MEMBER (part-time) staff, while also taking on Planner duties such as visitor outreach, PR and sales management.

At the museum: Art Gallery Presenter

From preparing for the opening through to daily operations, you take overall responsibility for selling and interpreting original ukiyo-e in the art gallery, acquiring works, curating and writing the interpretation for the works on display, safety management and staff management.

[Mission] To carry visitors from "seeing" ukiyo-e to "owning" it. By conveying the value and story of each individual work accurately to visitors and collectors from Japan and abroad, and by handling everything from acquisition through curation to interpretation, you maximise the experience the museum and gallery offer.

• Customer service, guidance and sales in the art gallery (selling original ukiyo-e, modern reproduction woodblock prints and related works of art; explaining prices and how to purchase; arranging framing, packing and shipping; after-sales follow-up; customer records)

• Interpretation and presentation of original ukiyo-e (the artist, publisher, block carver and printer; subject and historical background; printing and state of preservation; provenance. Multilingual support: English, Chinese and other languages can be learned after joining.)

• Acquiring and sourcing ukiyo-e (researching works at antique dealers, auctions, trade markets and fairs in Japan and overseas; checking condition; negotiating prices; managing purchase records and inventory; building the work database. No prior expertise required, you can learn after joining.)

• Curating the ukiyo-e on display in the museum (planning exhibition themes and structure, selecting works, planning rotations, coordinating loans with other museums and private collections)

• Writing exhibition interpretation (captions, interpretive panels, work lists, catalogues, audio guide scripts and multilingual texts, written and supervised in collaboration with our ukiyo-e and Edo culture supervisor)

• Handling and conservation of works (arranging framing and mounting, managing temperature, humidity and light levels, condition checks, exhibition changeovers, arranging transport and insurance)

• Reception, ticket checks, guidance and customer service; floor patrols and supporting visitors

• Starting up, shutting down, routine checks and light maintenance of video, audio and lighting equipment (no specialist projection operation is involved; no experience required, and you can learn after joining)

• Opening preparation and opening duties; closing duties, sales reconciliation, cleaning and upkeep after closing

• Approximately once a month, attending late-night exhibition changeovers, content swaps and equipment maintenance after closing (dates are arranged in advance and a separate late-night allowance is paid)

• Designing visitor flow, managing admissions and crowding, safety management and emergency response

• Customer service, product guidance, sales and stock management in the museum shop

• Hosting groups, school trips and inbound tours; handling media coverage and site visits; looking after collectors, art professionals and researchers

• Appearing in photography and video for PR and recruitment, and in media appearances (including serving and appearing in uniform or in Japanese dress such as kimono or yukata)

At the office: concurrent role at the Tokyo Office

During the run-up to opening, and at times outside museum duty after opening, you work at the Tokyo Office and take on Planner duties alongside your gallery role.

[Mission] To support the operating foundations of the museum and art gallery through staff management and the management and analysis of business figures. By planning and running visitor outreach and PR, you maximise visits and sales from Japan and overseas, raising the value of the experience from both the floor and the office.

• Recruiting, scheduling, developing and managing ASSOCIATE MEMBER (part-time) staff, and writing operating manuals

• Improving operations based on visitor surveys and admission data; PR, advertising, website operation and social media

• Managing the gallery's acquisition plan, inventory and sales figures; managing customer and collector records; running production of the work database, work lists and catalogues

• Concurrent Planner duties (managing business figures such as visitor numbers and sales; planning and running visitor outreach and promotions; sales and liaison with groups, travel agencies and media; product planning and purchasing for the museum shop)

*The Tokyo Office is scheduled to relocate on September 1, 2026 to Toho Hibiya Building 9F, 1-2-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006.

Required skills

• Hospitality that gives visitors and customers reassurance and delight; careful customer service and communication skills

• A careful, attentive approach to handling works of art; the self-direction, initiative and sense of responsibility to protect quality and safety on the floor

• The cooperativeness and drive to run a venue as a team

• An interest in ukiyo-e, Japanese art and history and culture, as well as in projection mapping, immersive art museums and immersive shows (no experience or specialist knowledge required)

• Basic writing ability for exhibition interpretation and work descriptions

• Standard PC and AI skills, and communication skills

Preferred skills and qualifications

*All are for reference only. No experience or qualification is required.

• Experience in customer service, sales or acquisition at a gallery, antique dealer, auction house, department store art gallery or art fair

• Curatorial experience at a museum (exhibition planning, curation, collection management, catalogue and caption production) or a curator's qualification

• Knowledge of ukiyo-e, Japanese art or antiques, including authentication, condition and print quality

• Experience obtaining an antique dealer licence, or practical experience with the import, export, transport or insurance of works of art

• Experience writing or editing exhibition interpretation, work descriptions, catalogues or articles

• Experience in customer service or operations at a museum, gallery, theme park or commercial facility

• Experience in the hotel, bridal, travel or airline industries

• Language ability in English, Chinese or other languages (any level)

• Experience handling or maintaining video, lighting or audio equipment

• Knowledge or experience of kimono and yukata dressing and Japanese dress etiquette

• Experience in sales, checkout or stock management

• Experience managing part-time staff (recruitment, scheduling, development)

• Experience in visitor outreach, PR, social media or event planning

Number of positions

A small number

Requirements

• Aged 18 or over

• Able to work at "Ukiyoe Immersive Art Museum GINZA" (inside a commercial facility in Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo). Your current place of residence does not matter; we welcome applications from anywhere in Japan. If relocation is required on joining, a relocation grant of ¥200,000 is provided.

• Able to work at the Tokyo Office during office duty (relocating on September 1, 2026 to Toho Hibiya Building 9F, 1-2-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)

• Able to work shifts including Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and the New Year period (start and finish times generally fall between 9:00 and 21:00, including preparation before opening and closing duties and cleaning afterwards)

• Able to attend late-night exhibition changeovers, content swaps and equipment maintenance after closing approximately once a month (dates are arranged in advance and a separate late-night allowance is paid)

• Able to travel in Japan and overseas for acquisition and research

• Able to work in the uniform provided by the company (depending on your position and on events, exhibitions or photography, you may be asked to wear Japanese dress such as kimono or yukata)

• Because this role involves interpreting works and presenting to visitors and customers, we ask that you serve and speak with your expression, mouth and voice clearly visible and audible. Except when unwell or where hygiene requires it, we ask for your understanding and cooperation in working without a mask.

• Willing to allow photographs and video taken during work to be used by us and our partners for PR, advertising and recruitment purposes (including on websites, social media, brochures and advertising, and in media coverage and appearances)

• Able to take part in training and work at the Tokyo Office, the Nagoya Head Office and event venues and facilities in Japan and overseas during the run-up to opening, including business trips in Japan and abroad

• Willing to accept the possibility of future transfers, secondments or changes of role in Japan or overseas, including to different museums and exhibitions (any such decision is made with full consideration of your working and family circumstances and respect for your wishes)

How to apply

You can apply either through our entry form or by sending your CV by email. Please choose whichever is more convenient for you.

Applying through the entry form

The details you enter in the form serve as your CV, so there is no need to prepare one separately. You are also welcome to attach a photograph, a portfolio, or a CV file you already have.

Go to the entry form

Applying by email

Please send your CV (any format, under 10MB) to the address below.

Send to: recruit@hitohata.jp (HITOHATA Inc. Recruitment)

Deadline: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 23:59

*Applications are screened in the order received. Recruitment may close before the deadline once the position is filled.

Suggested items for your CV

• Name (with reading) / date of birth (and age at time of writing) / gender / photograph / current address

• Family home address (if you have one you could live at) / contact details (email and mobile)

• Education / employment history (if any) / licences (with dates) / qualifications (with dates)

• Reasons for applying / about yourself / desired position / any other requests (including any circumstances needing special consideration)

*Please apply having agreed to the HITOHATA Inc. Privacy Policy, which sets out how personal information is handled.

Selection process

• Entry (submission of CV)

• Notification of document screening result (by email, up to around three weeks after the deadline)

• Aptitude test (SPI3) *For those who pass document screening

• Interview (at our office or online) *For those who pass document screening

• Practical assessment *For those who pass the interview

• Final interview

• Offer

*Email can fail to arrive due to size limits or spam filtering. If you have not heard from us within three weeks of the deadline, please contact us through the enquiry form.

*Interviews and assessments may be held more than once depending on your experience, skills and abilities.

*Travel costs for the first interview are at your own expense. Travel and accommodation costs for the practical assessment, final interview and beyond are covered by the company.

It can take up to about three months from the closing date or your entry until the final offer or rejection is communicated.

Enquiries about this posting

Please email recruit@hitohata.jp.

*Enquiries have no bearing, positive or negative, on the selection process. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions.

Employment terms and benefits

Employment type

COMPANY MEMBER (Regular Staff)

Salary, bonuses and allowances

• Monthly salary from JPY 252,800 (Grade 3, Professional, or above; determined with consideration of experience, skills and achievements)

• [Estimated annual salary] From JPY 4.04 million. Calculated from base salary plus bonuses of 4.0 months (FY2024 actual). Housing allowance and overtime allowances are not included

• [Model annual salary] Approx. JPY 5.16 million (Grade 3, with 28 hours of overtime per month). Monthly pay JPY 341,260 (base salary 252,800 + housing allowance 30,000 + overtime allowances 58,460) x 12 months + bonuses of 4.0 months, JPY 1,011,200 + business-trip per diem JPY 50,000. Overtime allowances are estimated for 28 hours per month (12 hours overtime, 8 hours overtime at late night, 8 hours on non-statutory holidays)

• There is no fixed overtime allowance. Overtime, late-night work and holiday work allowances are paid in full, calculated by the minute, as required by law

• Incentive scheme: incentives based on individual and team results, such as winning proposal and competition projects or meeting visitor-number and sales targets, are paid together with the bonus

• Base salary: from ¥252,800

• Grade: from Grade 3 (Professional Grade)

• *For a graduate of a four-year university in Japan, aged 22 on joining

• *Base salary and grade are decided taking experience, ability and track record into account

• Overtime, holiday-work and late-night allowances paid separately, calculated to the minute

• Bonuses paid twice a year (June and December)

• Base salary and grade reviewed once a year (July)

• Housing allowance: ¥10,000 to ¥30,000 depending on your area (paid where a company-leased rental in your own name is deemed necessary)

• Commuting costs paid in full

• Business trip per diem (tax-free): ¥2,500 per day (paid for overnight trips, or day trips of eight hours or more, whether on a working day or a day off)

• Relocation grant of ¥200,000 if relocation is required on joining (for both new graduate and mid-career hires; free to use as you wish, no receipts required, normally paid in your first month)

• A portable work laptop (usually a MacBook)

• A full uniform is provided (cleaning costs covered by the company); kimono, yukata and other Japanese dress worn at events is also provided

Working conditions, holidays and leave

• Museum duty, working hours: A flextime system (no core hours) applies, with shifts based on the facility's opening hours. Start and finish times generally fall between 9:00 and 21:00 (early shift from 9:00, late shift until 21:00; one-hour break, eight working hours). This includes preparation before opening and closing duties, sales reconciliation and cleaning afterwards. Approximately once a month you may be asked to attend late-night exhibition changeovers, content swaps or equipment maintenance after closing (a separate late-night allowance is paid).

• Office duty, working hours: 10:00-19:00 (one-hour break, eight working hours; flextime available)

• Museum duty, days off: Around two days a week by shift rota (including Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays)

• Office duty, days off: In principle Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and the New Year period (December 29 to January 3)

• Annual holidays: 123 days a year across museum and office duty

• Paid annual leave: 10 days in the first year (granted six months after joining), increasing by one to two days each year up to a maximum of 20 days a year

• Leave can be taken as full days, half days or by the hour

• Special leave: three days in the first year only, in addition to annual leave (granted three months after joining)

• Refresh leave: after five years of service, 10 consecutive days of paid leave in addition to annual leave, granted at the start of the business year and every five years thereafter

• Other leave including maternity, childcare and family care leave

• Probation period: Six months (no reduction in salary or allowances during probation)

Principal place of work

• Museum duty: "Ukiyoe Immersive Art Museum GINZA" (inside a commercial facility in Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)

• Office duty: Tokyo Office / Toho Hibiya Building 9F, 1-2-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006 (relocating September 1, 2026). *During the run-up to opening, you will train and work at the Tokyo Office, the Nagoya Head Office and event venues and permanent facilities in Japan and overseas.

*Future transfers, secondments or changes of role within Japan, including moves to other museums or offices, are possible.

Other benefits

• Social insurance (employment, workers' accident compensation, health, employees' pension and long-term care insurance)

• Annual health check (optional tests specified by the company are also covered). Optional examinations you request yourself, including women's health screening (breast and cervical cancer screening), full medical check-ups and brain check-ups, are also covered by the company where approved

• Support for books, training and study groups for skill development (where approved by the company, up to a limit). Books, training, study groups and conference fees, qualification costs and admission to relevant works are subsidised up to JPY 200,000 per person per year (where approved by the company)

• Family support: marriage gift of JPY 50,000; childbirth gift of JPY 50,000 per child; child allowance of JPY 15,000 per month per child, until the end of the school year in which the child turns 18, regardless of dependent status

• Influenza vaccination at the company's expense, on request

• Outside talks, writing and creative work permitted (where approved by the company)

• Further benefits to be added over time

Training

Business etiquette, logical thinking, mentoring, communication, time management and leadership training, among other required and optional programmes

Q&A

Q. When would I start?

A. We would like you to join as early as possible in preparation for the spring 2027 opening, but the start date can be adjusted to suit your current commitments.

Q. What are the working patterns?

A. You work shifts based on the opening hours of "Ukiyoe Immersive Art Museum GINZA" (planned 10:00-20:00). A flextime system (no core hours) applies, and start and finish times are set generally between 9:00 and 21:00, covering everything from preparation before opening to closing duties, sales reconciliation and cleaning (early shift from 9:00, late shift until 21:00; one-hour break, eight working hours). As the museum opens on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and over the New Year, days off are around two a week by shift rota.

During office duty and the run-up to opening, you train and work at the Tokyo Office, the Nagoya Head Office and event venues and permanent facilities in Japan and overseas, on flextime based on 10:00-19:00 (one-hour break, eight working hours).

Q. Do I need specialist knowledge of ukiyo-e or art, or a curator's qualification?

A. Neither is required. Knowledge of ukiyo-e and Japanese art, a curator's qualification and experience in the gallery or antiques trade are all valued as preferred skills, but specialist knowledge can be learned after joining.

Under the supervision of our ukiyo-e and Edo culture supervisor, we provide an environment in which you can learn step by step how to look at works, their historical background, how to judge printing and state of preservation, how prices are arrived at, and how to write exhibition interpretation. What matters is a willingness to engage with the works and keep learning, and the desire to convey their appeal to customers.

Q. How does acquisition work? Can I do it without experience?

A. You research works at antique dealers, auctions, trade markets and fairs in Japan and overseas, check their condition, and then negotiate prices and purchase. This may involve travel in Japan and overseas, for which a business trip per diem (¥2,500 per day) is paid separately.

If you have no experience, you will start by accompanying senior colleagues and our supervisor to learn how to look at works and get a feel for the market, and your responsibilities will widen step by step. You will not be asked to acquire works on your own straight after joining.

Q. How much of the curation and exhibition interpretation would I handle?

A. For the original ukiyo-e displayed in the museum, you handle everything from planning exhibition themes and structure to selecting the works and planning rotations. You also write and supervise the interpretation that helps visitors read the works: captions, interpretive panels, work lists, catalogues and audio guide scripts.

All of this is done in collaboration with our ukiyo-e and Edo culture supervisor and the planning and production team, so you are never left to carry it alone. Being able to explain, in person and on the same day, a work you selected and wrote about yourself is what makes this role distinctive.

Q. Are there sales targets?

A. We do not set individual sales quotas. The gallery's overall sales and inventory are managed as business figures, and planning and improvement are a team effort.

Rather than pressing works on anyone, we care about conveying the background and value of each piece accurately, so that people take a work home having understood it.

Q. Is there a uniform? Are there rules on dress and appearance?

A. During museum duty you wear the uniform provided by the company. Cleaning costs are covered by us.

Depending on your position and on events at the museum or PR photography, you may also be asked to wear Japanese dress such as kimono or yukata. This is part of the presentation that makes a venue devoted to ukiyo-e and Edo culture what it is. Japanese dress is provided by the company, so you need not prepare anything, and no experience of dressing is required.

This role involves conveying the appeal of the works and of ukiyo-e directly to visitors and customers. Because expression, voice and eye contact have a great deal to do with the quality of that experience, we ask that you serve and interpret with your face clearly visible, and we operate without masks (except when unwell, where hygiene requires it, or where the authorities request otherwise). We also set certain standards for hairstyle, hair colour, nails and accessories, in keeping with the world of the works, with safety, and with the handling of the works themselves.

During office duty, the run-up to opening and business trips, dress is essentially free (office casual), though a suit may be required for events and for acquisition and business meetings.

Q. Would I appear in PR photography or video?

A. Yes. For the museum's PR and for recruitment, we photograph and film staff at work and use the material on our own and our partners' websites, social media, brochures, advertising, press releases and in media coverage. As Presenters are the face of the venue, please apply on the understanding that this is part of the role.

We tell you in advance about planned shoots, what they involve and whether Japanese dress will be worn. Photographs and video are handled properly in line with the HITOHATA Inc. Privacy Policy.

Q. How and when are shifts decided?

A. Shifts are decided in principle during the preceding month, taking into account the facility's operating schedule and the balance of work across the team. You can also request specific days off.

Q. Is there late-night work?

A. Regular shifts fall generally between 9:00 and 21:00 in line with opening hours, but approximately once a month there are late-night exhibition changeovers, interpretation and content swaps and equipment maintenance after closing, which you may be asked to attend.

Dates are arranged in advance and the shifts around them are adjusted. Late-night and overtime allowances are paid separately, calculated to the minute.

Q. Is there work beyond sales and interpretation?

A. Yes. Alongside selling and interpreting in the art gallery, acquiring ukiyo-e and curating and writing the interpretation for the works on display, one of your main responsibilities during office duty is recruiting, scheduling, developing and managing ASSOCIATE MEMBER (part-time) staff.

You also take on Planner duties: managing business figures such as visitor numbers and sales, visitor outreach and PR, liaison with groups, travel agencies and media, and product planning and purchasing for the museum shop. Being able to build expertise in the works themselves, hospitality on the floor and the management of a venue, all in one role, is what makes this position distinctive.

Q. What about commuting costs?

A. Commuting costs are reimbursed in full. Where travel is involved, a business trip per diem (¥2,500 per day) is paid separately.

Q. What is the employment type?

A. You are hired as a COMPANY MEMBER (Regular Staff), with no fixed contract term.

The first six months from your start date are a probation period, with no reduction in salary or allowances.

Q. What is the average salary or annual income?

A. In addition to a base salary from ¥252,800 (decided taking experience, ability and track record into account), overtime, holiday-work and late-night allowances are paid separately, calculated to the minute.

There are also bonuses (twice a year, in June and December), a housing allowance (¥10,000 to ¥30,000) and business trip per diems. For reference, bonuses paid in FY2024 totalled 4.0 months of base salary (2.0 months in June and 2.0 months in December).

Q. Do I need to speak English?

A. As we expect visitors from overseas and sales to overseas customers and collectors, language ability in English, Chinese or other languages is welcome but not required. Interpretation in the museum is provided in Japanese, English, Chinese and other languages, and we support language study after you join.

Q. I live outside Tokyo or far away, can I still apply? Is there relocation support?

A. We actively welcome applications from people living elsewhere in Japan. You will need to live within commuting distance of "Ukiyoe Immersive Art Museum GINZA" once hired, and we provide generous support with the cost of moving.

If relocation is required on joining, we provide a relocation grant of ¥200,000. It applies to both new graduate and mid-career hires, is free to use as you wish and requires no receipts, so it can go straight towards moving costs, deposits and key money, or furniture and appliances (normally paid in your first month).

If you also need a new company-leased home on joining, we pay a monthly housing allowance of ¥10,000 to ¥30,000 depending on your area, and we help with the search itself by suggesting recommended areas and properties and introducing estate agents. We support people starting a new life in Tokyo both financially and practically, so please apply with confidence. First interviews can also be held online, and travel and accommodation costs for the practical assessment and final interview are covered by the company.

Q. I have none of the preferred skills or qualifications, can I still apply?

A. The preferred skills and qualifications are for reference only and are not required.

What matters more to us are personal qualities: hospitality and communication skills that give visitors and customers reassurance and delight, the care to handle works of art properly, the self-direction, initiative and responsibility to protect quality and safety on the floor, and the cooperativeness and drive to run a venue as a team.

Knowledge of ukiyo-e and Japanese art, and an interest in projection mapping, immersive art museums and immersive shows, also require no prior experience, so please do not worry on that account.

Q. I currently work elsewhere, can the selection schedule be adjusted?

A. If you are currently employed elsewhere, we will adjust the schedule for you, for example by holding interviews on your days off.

Q. I live overseas, are the interview and practical assessment compulsory?

A. If you currently live overseas, we will make arrangements such as holding interviews remotely. The practical assessment and final interview are compulsory, so we will adjust the schedule with you.

Q. I cannot apply this time. Will there be future openings?

A. If this round fills the Art Gallery Presenter positions, we do not plan to recruit again in the near future. If it does not, we may recruit again shortly, as we would if a vacancy arose.

If you would like to work as an Art Gallery Presenter in future, please do apply this time and note that in your application. If you meet our standards through the selection process, we may hold your application and give it priority should a vacancy arise.

Q. Can I apply for more than one position? Can I change position after joining?

A. You may apply for more than one position (please note this in your application).

After joining, you may also move to another position, taking your wishes and aptitude into account.