Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama died at the age of 97.

Yayoi Kusama, the Japanese artist celebrated for her polka-dot imagery, pumpkin sculptures and Infinity Mirror Rooms, died at a Tokyo hospital on August 14, 2026, aged 97. Her organization disclosed the news in a statement, according to coverage by The Guardian, the BBC and The National.theguardian.comtheguardian.comYayoi Kusama, Japanese artist who became a global superstar, dies aged 97 |...bbc.combbc.comYayoi Kusama: Japanese avant-garde artist dies aged 97+1 more

Several other prominent outlets, including The New York Times, NPR, Bloomberg, NBC News, ABC News and CNN, reported the same development independently. Their coverage matches on the central details: Kusama had died and was 97. The articles appeared or received updates on August 26 and 27, 2026, soon after the announcement became public.nytimes.comnytimes.comYayoi Kusama, Japanese Pop Artist Known for Polka-Dot Paintings, Dies at 97npr.orgnpr.orgJapanese artist Yayoi Kusama has died at age 97 : NPR+4 more

Just Jared likewise covered the death and said the Yayoi Kusama Museum and Yayoi Kusama Foundation had issued the announcement. However, it carries less weight than reports tied directly to the organization and established news outlets. That distinction does not change the assessment, since the better-supported accounts consistently give the same death date and age.justjared.comjustjared.comJapanese Artist Yayoi Kusama Dies at Age 97 The claim is supported by the available evidence. The sources identify Kusama's age, the date of her death and the Tokyo location, but the excerpts contain no additional medical information.