Three reasons why every rock fan should see The Rolling Stones exhibition

‘Exhibitionism centres on a selection of more than 500 Stones-related artifacts and over 190 pieces of original artwork. The displays include guitars, outfits and other items used by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and company, plus curiosa such as contracts signed with record labels over the years and even some of Richards’s notebooks. Put together, the exhibits allow visitors to peek into the professional and private lives of the Stones.

The Stones didn’t become a global phenomenon solely on the strength of their music. Their unique imagery, including the instantly recognisable ‘Lips and Tongue’ logo, also played a significant part – after all, even those who have never heard a Rolling Stones song have probably seen this iconic mark somewhere. The ‘logo booth’ at the exhibition explains the origins of the symbol, how it has been displayed on posters and merchandise, and the importance of creative expression in the process of branding the Stones. You’ll also learn about designer John Pasche, the man behind ‘Lips and Tongue’.

While the highlights mentioned so far have been mainly of the visual variety, ‘Exhibitionism’ also offers plenty of excitement for the other senses. For example, a full-size mock studio recreates the experience of recording a Stones album, inviting you to imagine how hits like ‘Satisfaction’, ‘Paint It Black’ and ‘Sympathy For The Devil’ were born.

And it doesn’t end there: one of the sections encourages you to assume the role of director, remixing existing tracks by making whatever adjustments you like – from toning down Mick Jagger’s vocals to turning up Keith Richards’s guitar to eleven.

Near the end of the exhibition, you get to enter a booth recreating that most exclusive of rock settings – the Rolling Stones backstage. Seeking to capture the tense atmosphere just before a gig, the display appears realistic down to the tiniest details. (It also features a rock star sleeping in a hammock, just so you know.)

After passing through the backstage area, visitors are treated to a 3D recording of a 2016 open-air gig. While only a five-minute clip, it offers an intensely realistic snapshot of the concert experience, complete with roaring crowds and an appropriately sweaty atmosphere. The immersive mini-gig makes for a fitting end to ‘Exhibitionism’ – a show that is worth seeing for every rock fan in Tokyo.