mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection, located in the Takeshiba waterfront district of Minato, Tokyo, has announced its 16th installment of the Afternoon Exhibition series. For the first time, the hotel is collaborating with The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo, presenting Chapter 16: "Boating – Shimmering Waters," available at the 16th-floor bar & lounge Whisk from April 1 (Wednesday) to May 31 (Sunday), 2026.
Inspired by Monet's "On the Boat"
The theme for this edition is Claude Monet's painting On the Boat, which received the most votes among four candidate works in a poll to select the cover artwork for the 2026 National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo Permanent Collection Passport Ticket. The program translates the shimmering water surface, spring breeze, and play of light captured in the painting into a unique culinary art experience. A limited-quantity special plan that includes the National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo Permanent Collection Passport Ticket is also available, inviting guests to visit the museum before or after the tea to deepen their appreciation of the artwork.
Claude Monet, known as a master of Impressionism and a "painter of light," created works beloved around the world for their delicate brushwork and rich color capturing the ever-changing nuances of light and wind. On the Boat in particular depicts the shimmering particles of light on a calm water surface, the spring air, and the presence of figures, all blending together to quietly move the viewer's senses.
Program Structure
The Afternoon Exhibition consists of two parts: a first course of 8 sweets and savories tracing the highlights of Monet's life, and a main plate expressing the world of the painting in three-dimensional form.
Appetizer Course: 8 Sweets & Savories
[1] Saint-Honoré [Inspired by: Born in Paris's 9th arrondissement, 1840]
A classic of French pastry said to have originated in Paris around 1840. Caramelized choux puffs are arranged on a flaky pastry base and finished with a smooth caramel cream. The pleasant interplay of slight bitterness, richness, and light melt-in-the-mouth texture makes for a refined piece.
[2] Puits d'Amour [Inspired by: Moving to Le Havre in Normandy, 1845]
A traditional pastry enjoyed in 19th-century Normandy, reimagined as an ice cream preparation. The flavor of the original baked pastry—puff pastry filled and baked with custard cream—is preserved, with a gentle fragrance that spreads softly with each bite.
[3] Savarin [Inspired by: Monet begins painting studies in Paris; selected for the Salon de Paris in 1865]
A French pastry named after gastronome Brillat-Savarin, thought to have been devised by a Parisian pastry chef around the 1840s. The lightly baked dough is soaked in a liqueur syrup, offering a moist, melting texture and a lingering fragrant finish.
[4] British Crêpe [Inspired by: Escaping military service, Monet travels to London in 1870]
A British-style crêpe with a chewy texture, paired with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Served as a savory item, it offers a light, pleasant saltiness.
[5] Victoria Sandwich Cake [Inspired by: During his stay in London, Monet mingles with art dealers, 1870]
A British traditional cake bearing the name of Queen Victoria, who symbolized 19th-century England. Made with a pound cake–style batter rather than sponge, it is finished with raspberry jam sandwiched inside.
[6] Salade Parisienne [Inspired by: Monet and friends hold an exhibition in Paris, 1874]
A "Salade Parisienne" of mimosa (boiled egg), jambon (ham), and champignons (mushrooms) lightly dressed in a French dressing. Inspired by the episode of Monet organizing an exhibition with his peers near Paris, this savory plate reflects the colorful vibrancy of the occasion.
[7] Camembert Cheese and Apple Sandwich [Inspired by: Monet's travels through Normandy, 1883–1886]
Featuring Normandy-born Camembert, often called the "queen of cheeses," as the centerpiece. Its creamy richness is paired with the refreshing sweet-tartness of apple and served on a toasted baguette, creating a canapé where milkiness and fruity flavors harmonize pleasantly with each bite.
[8] Mirliton [Inspired by: Moving to Giverny in Normandy, 1883]
A Normandy-style tartlet pastry presented in a wholesome, gentle flavor. Its moist texture and nostalgic taste accented by a soft lemon fragrance are its hallmarks, with buttery aroma and a hint of acidity that linger pleasantly.
Pairing Mocktail: Earl Grey Tea Sangria Style
A glass prepared in honor of France's rich flavored tea culture and Monet's love of Japanese design and ukiyo-e. Sangria syrup evoking French wine culture is combined with lemon-flavored Earl Grey and soda for a light, refreshing, and crisp drink.
Main Course: Dessert
Boating Jelly
A plate that reflects the scene of a small boat and delicately expresses the shifting colors of the rippling water. Layers of raspberry and muscat jelly are topped with the sharp accent of red currant berries. A tarte chocolat with a cocoa fragrance is dressed with piped mascarpone shaped to evoke the two female figures in the painting, finishing this charming dessert.
Plum & Rose Mocktail
Served alongside the main, this mocktail highlights a tartness and rose fragrance. The elegant rose aroma is layered with the crisp acidity of hibiscus and rounded out with a light plum soda, drawing inspiration from Monet's well-known affinity for Japan. Stir well to enjoy the harmonious blend of fragrance and flavor.
Event Details
| Period | April 1 (Wednesday) – May 31 (Sunday), 2026 |
| Times | Weekdays: 2:00 PM / 2:30 PM / 3:00 PM / 6:00 PM Weekends & Holidays: 2:00 PM / 2:30 PM / 3:00 PM |
| Venue | mesm Tokyo 16F – Bar & Lounge "Whisk" |
| Price | Per person: ¥7,000 (tax & 15% service charge included) Afternoon Exhibition & National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo Permanent Collection Passport Ticket Plan: ¥8,350 (tax & 15% service charge included) |
| Cancellation | 50% the day before / 100% on the day |
| Reservations | https://x.gd/0c49G (reservations required by 9:00 PM the day before) |
About The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo
The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo was established in April 1959 (Showa 34) based on the Matsukata Collection—a collection of French art centered on Impressionist paintings and Rodin sculptures—returned by the French government. As the only national museum dedicated to Western art in Japan, it carries out exhibitions, collection and research of Western artworks and documents, conservation and restoration, educational outreach, and publications.
Official website: https://www.nmwa.go.jp/jp/
Monet's On the Boat can be viewed in the museum's permanent collection. Visiting the museum in conjunction with the Afternoon Exhibition offers a spring day of moving between hotel and museum, experiencing the world of the painting on multiple levels.
The Creators Behind the Afternoon Exhibition
Creative Director: Kentaro Koizumi
Koizumi began his career as a graphic designer while at Kwansei Gakuin University and has since been involved in branding, promotion, and PR activities for international companies primarily in the beauty and fashion industries. In 2017, he was selected as the project producer for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's outbound project "1st BrandLand Japan." He has designed and supervised mesm Tokyo's brand identity, visual identity, amenity goods, artwork, collateral, and food & beverage concepts since before the hotel's opening. He was appointed Creative Director of mesm Tokyo in February 2019.
Master Culinary Artist: Naohito Yabu
Yabu began his career as a pastry chef at Tokyo All Nippon Hotel, then worked at a restaurant in Tokyo and Oriental Land's Ambassador Hotel before joining ANA InterContinental Tokyo in 2001 as Pastry Chef. From 2010, he was involved in product development and manufacturing at a Tokyo sweets shop. In November 2017, he joined Nippon Hotel Co., Ltd. as Pastry Chef at Hotel Metropolitan Edmont. He was appointed Master Culinary Artist at mesm Tokyo in October 2019.
Major awards include: 1993 Taste of Canada – Hot Division (Team) Gold / Cold Division (Individual) Silver; 1999 TV Champion Chocolate Artisan Competition Runner-up; 2001 Japan Cake Show Chocolate Confectionery Gold Award.
Whisk – 16F Bar & Lounge
Themed on an artist's atelier, Whisk is a bar and lounge offering conceptual original mixology cocktails inspired by paintings, house-made sweets, and light meals that engage all five senses. True to its name—"to whisk (mix)"—it is a creative public space where tradition and innovation, stimulation and elegance, stillness and movement are blended together. During the day, it becomes a comfortable waterside café-like space with panoramic views of the Tokyo waterfront; at night, it transforms into a bar lounge where guests can enjoy the glittering night view alongside live music and art performances.
Hours: Weekdays 2:00 PM – midnight (L.O. 11:00 PM) / Weekends & Holidays 12:00 PM – midnight (L.O. 11:00 PM)
Seats: 56
