Politics & Diplomacy
Hashimoto to retract sex suggestion for U.S. military
Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto aims to retract his remark that U.S. servicemen in Okinawa should use the local adult entertainment industry to avoid committing sex crimes.
Art Topics
Openings outside Tokyo Sep 13, 2012
"The Osaka Best Art: Our Collection, Our Selection"
by Tomohiro Osaki
From April to July, Osaka Prefecture asked its citizens to vote on their favorite paintings from 100 masterpieces owned by museums in the area. The project attracted ballots from 8,371 people, who voted the most popular work to be “Postman” by Yuzo Saeki (1898-1928), ...
Openings outside Tokyo Sep 6, 2012
"Dogū , a Cosmos"
by Tomohiro Osaki
Archaeologists and other experts agree that dogū , ancient Japanese clay figurines were produced during the Jomon Period (c. 10,000 B.C. to 400 B.C.). However, the purpose of dogū remain a mystery. Many believe that they were likely ceremonially displayed at local festivals or ...
Openings outside Tokyo Sep 6, 2012
"Naoko Yoshimoto, Takeshi Kubo, Nobuo Asada"
by Tomohiro Osaki
The Himeji City Museum of Art often collaborates with local artists and gives them the opportunity to present their work to the public. For this exhibition, it introduces Naoko Yoshimoto, Takeshi Kubo and Nobuo Asada. Yoshimoto is best known for her philosophical insight into ...
Openings outside Tokyo Aug 30, 2012
"Japanese Traditional Painting: Materials, Forms, Themes" (Painting)
by Tomohiro Osaki
In an exhibition aimed at generating more public interest in traditional Japanese paintings, the Nara Prefectural Museum of Art is showcasing medieval and modern works from its own collection. In a slightly didactic approach, the show offers basic knowledge of the materials, style and ...
Openings outside Tokyo Aug 23, 2012
"Masterpieces from the Permanent Collection II: A Close Look at Private Art Schools of Kyoto"
by Tomohiro Osaki
Gajuku, art schools for painters in Japan, played a vital role in the cultivation of Kyoto’s modern art industry. Some gajuku were run privately by experienced painters, while others served as places where highly motivated, like-minded artists could get together and practice their skills. ...
Openings outside Tokyo Aug 16, 2012
"The Yayoi Period: Analyzing its Culture Through Agricultural Tools"
by Tomohiro Osaki
The Yayoi Period (about 300 B.C.-A.D. 300) was Japan’s Iron Age, an era when agricultural techniques significantly progressed. During that time, farming expertise, much influenced by the introduction of irrigated rice farming from Korea, flourished in the Kyushu region. From there, techniques quickly spread ...
Openings outside Tokyo Aug 9, 2012
"30th Anniversary Temporary Exhibition: Blue-and-White Ware of the Joseon Dynasty" (Ware)
by Tomohiro Osaki
One of the most important times in the history of Korean blue-and-white porcelain ware was during the 518-year reign of the Joseon Dynasty. The strong influence of Confucianism at that time persuaded the public to lead more frugal lifestyles, which led many to view ...
Openings outside Tokyo Aug 2, 2012
"Mary Blair: A Life's Choice, A Mother's Job, from Studio Ghibli Collection"
by Tomohiro Osaki
Mary Blair (1911-1978) is probably best remembered for her work for the Walt Disney Studios. She is known to have influenced the blockbuster animations “Cinderella,” “Alice In Wonderland” and “Peter Pan.” After leaving Disney, Blair continued to work as a graphic designer and illustrator. ...
Openings outside Tokyo Aug 2, 2012
"The Grand Izumo Exhibition"
by Han Zhang
The Kyoto National Museum is commemorating the 1,300th anniversary of the Kojiki, the oldest chronicle in Japan, as well as next year’s grand installation ceremony of Shimane Prefecture’s Izumo Taisha, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. Myths from Izumo Province were recorded ...
Openings outside Tokyo Jul 26, 2012
"Pearls: Jewels from the Sea — Commemorating 40 Years of Friendship between Qatar and Japan"
by Tomohiro Osaki
As a symbol of its strong relationship with Japan, Qatar donated $100 million in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake last year. With diplomatic relations between the two countries marking its 40th anniversary this year, this exhibition is part of a series of ...
Openings outside Tokyo Jul 26, 2012
"The Wonderful Life of Wasps and Bees"
by Tomohiro Osaki
Out of more than 130,000 species of insects, bees and wasps are believed to be the most advanced and prosperous due to their diverse lifestyles. They exhibit remarkable sociability, which can be observed in their highly sophisticated communication skills, and display other intricate behaviors, ...
Openings outside Tokyo Jul 19, 2012
"Portrait Of Celebrity: The Vision Of Kevin Westenberg"
by Tomohiro Osaki
Kevin Westenberg has been photographing celebrities for more than 25 years, taking the portraits of many major stars including The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and Madonna. His photography brings an aura of grandeur to his subjects while often revealing an unexpected side to them. ...