Photo= A costume from the "Aladdin Sane" tour, designed by Kansai Yamamoto (shot by Masayoshi Sukita)

David Bowie frequently visited Kyoto.

In 1980, he participated in a TV ad to promote the distilled sake "Jun" from Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd., a brewery based in Fushimi Ward, shot in Shodenji Temple, Kita Ward, Kyoto, and other locations. Between takes, he wandered around the streets of Kyoto with photographer Masayoshi Sukita, to capture shots of him as he was shopping in the Furukawacho Shopping Street, Higashiyama Ward, riding the Hankyu Railway and so on.

Bowie was often seen in Kyoto. Although it was rumored that he had a vacation house in Kujoyama, Yamashina Ward, the house he visited frequently was inhabited by the late David Kidd, oriental-style artist. Called, "Togen-do," the house is said to have been like a salon where celebrities from Japan and overseas gathered. Bowie, who had been intrigued with Tibetan Buddhism since his youth, was exposed to oriental cultures here, and "also tried to get stimulation for his creative activities," said a connected person. A photo has been discovered in which he and his wife were watching the Gion Festival with a video camera in one hand, from his visit to Kyoto on his honeymoon in the 1990s.

Although the photos to be exhibited this time were taken before the relationship between Bowie and Kyoto deepened, the exhibition will provide an opportunity to rethink the depth of Kyoto through the perspective of a great star, whose music constantly evolved and whom continued to shine.