Exhibition of Japanese calendars commences in RAC

Rawalpindi

The Embassy of Japan, in cooperation with the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) has organized the annual Japanese Calendars Exhibition 2016, at the Rawalpindi Arts Council from January 27 to February 2. The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr. Junya Matsuura, deputy chief of mission, Embassy of Japan in Islamabad on Wednesday.

Japanese calendars exhibition is an annual feature of the cultural activities organised by the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan, which is very popular among the people of Pakistan. This year, around 118 calendars have been displayed in the exhibition with the cooperation of Japan Calendars Association, Tokyo and few Japanese companies. These calendars show Japan’s traditional and contemporary arts, sports, automobiles, nature, cultural heritage and architecture. Since every calendar is a piece of art, the Japan Calendar Association has tried their best to attract viewers through different subjects and mediums. The exhibition not only gives a picture of the socio-cultural development of Japan spread over centuries, but also exhibits the aesthetic features of Japanese printing technology.

Junya Matsuura, while speaking at the inaugural ceremony said that a variety of Japanese calendars have been put on display in this exhibition which represent the beauty as well as the true life image of Japan. The visitors will be able to see things Japanese in a way they would see them in Japan. “Our purpose is to introduce various aspects of Japan to the people of Pakistan” said Mr. Matsuura.

Most of the calendars being displayed are made by private Japanese companies, and most of them are printed on recycled paper which is a fine example of Japan’s efforts to be eco-friendly. The calendars showcase a vibrant depiction of the Japanese heritage and cultural identity by reflecting images from traditional and contemporary arts from sports, automobiles, nature, heritage and architecture to Japanese Kimono and Ikebana. These calendars offered a true-to-life image of Japan.

Mr. Matsuura appreciated the cooperation extended by the Punjab Council of the Arts for providing venues for holding Japanese cultural events in all divisional arts councils of Punjab each year. He also thanked Rawalpindi Arts Council for organising the Japanese Calendars Exhibition. 

Naheed Manzoor said that all these calendars not only reflect the skills of Japanese artists but also presenting the tale of economic, cultural and social development of Japan which are indeed a great source of learning for Pakistanis.

RAC Resident Director Waqar Ahmed also thanking the guests said that through these calendars we can see how Japan has progressed in every field. “Deep brotherly relations exist between Pakistan and Japan which are further strengthening with the passage of time,” he said.

After the exhibition, all the calendars were distributed to the lucky visitors through lottery by the RAC.

The exhibition not only gives a picture of the socio-cultural development of Japan, but also exhibits the aesthetic features by Japanese calendar artists. By looking at these Japanese calendars, the visitors can imagine Japan so near to their eyes even if it’s far way.

The exhibition will remain open for the public from January 28 to February 2, from 09:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.