Titled "Contemporary Traditions", the show, which opens in Dunedin tomorrow, celebrates the 30th anniversary of Dunedin's relationship with its Japanese sister city, Otaru.
Mr Ishikawa said he was "very happy and very lucky" to join the Otago Museum's team in preparing the show.
The exhibition focuses on modern interpretations of Maori and Japanese art and includes more than 40 items of contemporary Ainu art, including 14 tapestries and 14 garments, many featuring bold Ainu motifs.
The Ainu are the indigenous people of Japan, having a distinct language and customs, different from those of other Japanese.
The Maori work comprises more than 40 items by Ngai Tahu artists, including jewellery, textiles, wood, paintings, photography and sculpture.
The two museums have previously exchanged travelling exhibitions but this is their first jointly organised show.
Otago Museum chief executive Shimrath Paul said it had been important to the museum to commemorate Dunedin's relationship with Otaru, and the museum's close relationship with Otaru Museum, through a "quality exhibition" which would be a source of pride for both Otago people and the Japanese.
The exhibition runs until November 7, and a civic delegation from Otaru will visit the Otago Museum on October 17.
The sister cities' 25th anniversary in 2005 was celebrated with an Otaru Museum exhibition at the Otago Museum, entitled "Kimono: A Japanese Story".
