New York-based Chilean artist Alfredo Jaar has opened a new exhibition, “You and Me and the Others,” at Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery. The show sharply critiques US hegemony and Japan's dependence on it. Jaar states that he is shocked by Japan's weakness toward the United States and notes recent calls for independence from some Japanese politicians.
Alfredo Jaar, a Chilean artist and architect based in New York, previewed his new exhibition “You and Me and the Others” at Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery on January 25, 2026. The show features works that fiercely criticize US hegemony, with Jaar expressing anger at the United States for monopolizing the name 'America.' He often says, “America is a continent, not a country.”
At the press preview, Jaar remarked, “I have always been shocked by the weakness and dependence of Japan towards the United States,” arguing that Japan lacks a strong identity in relation to the superpower. The exhibition also targets countries like Japan that enable US dominance.
Jaar noted, “Only recently have I heard some Japanese politicians talking about this publicly...asking for independence from the U.S.” This display offers a critical lens on Japan-US relations, prompting reflection on international dependencies through art.
