The Nihon Bijutsu-in, the organizer of the Inten Exhibition, was founded in 1898 under the guiding principle of Tenshin Okakura by 26 regular members including Masakuni Hashimoto, Taikan Yokoyama, Kanzan Shimomura, and Shunso Hishida, as an institution for the study of Japanese painting. It advocated the revival and innovation of traditional Japanese art, which had been declining due to the influx of Western art, and aimed to create a new style of Japanese painting. Although it was forced to temporarily suspend its activities due to financial difficulties, Taikan and others took the opportunity of the first anniversary of Tenshin's death to revive the institution. Since then, many painters have continued their studies in the spirit of "free study of art, no teachers, no seniors, no teaching, no research," supporting the development of modern Japanese-style painting.
The 109th Inten Exhibition will feature 62 works, including 33 new works by the artists who are members of the Japan Art Institute, award-winning works, and selected works by artists living in Kyushu. The exhibition will showcase the essence of contemporary Japanese painting, bringing together a diverse range of works from up-and-coming young artists to established masters.