“Deco Japan: Shaping Art and Culture, 1920–1945” subtly conveys the complex social and cultural tensions in Japan during the Taisho and early Showa periods through examples of metalwork, ceramics, lacquer, glass, furniture, jewelry, sculpture. The Japan Society of New York explores a little-known brand of pre-WWII modernism borne of competitive ingenuity and vivacious cosmopolitanism. The gallery, 333 East 47th St., New York, is open Tues. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Docent-led walk-in tours are conducted Tues.to Sun. at 12:30 p.m. Japanese-language tours are conducted Fri. nights at 6 p.m. and at other times by appointment. Tours are free with admission and are approximately one hour in duration. To arrange group tours: (212) 715-1224. Cost: $12; students and seniors $10; Japan Society members and children under 16 free. Admission is free to all on Friday nights, 6 to 9 p.m.