Tokyo
Art
2021.12.14
The Gohyaku Rakanji statue at Gohyaku Rakanji Temple (Meguro-ku, Tokyo) was sculpted by Shoun Genkei, a Buddhist priest from the Edo period, and miraculously escaped repeated natural and man-made disasters. It still exists and is the object of people’s worship. It has high historical and cultural value and is designated as an important cultural property of Tokyo.
Michiko Chiyoda was impressed by the splendor of the statue of Rakan and the activities of the restorer Takeshi Nagai, who is working to restore this precious statue to future generations.
She will publish her photo book “Inheritance of the 500 Rakan Restoration Prayer” from Ribonsha on December 20, 2021.
The photo book contains photographs of the sculptural beauty of the eight restored Rakan statues and each process of the Rakan statue restoration work, which had not been published so far.
In addition, a commentary on the Rakan statue by Kenshin Hori, a deacon and curator of Gohyaku Rakanji Temple on Mt. However, it is a photo book that is spectacular and readable.
The photobook will be sold at Ribonsha, etc., and from December 1st to December 30th, CAMPFIRE’s crowdfunding will be used to set attractive returns and sell it.
From the photobook contribution
Rakan statues have been protected by many people over the natural disasters and wars for more than 300 years since the first statue. We have a mission to pass on this irreplaceable and wonderful cultural heritage to the next generation.
Restoration artist Takeshi Nagai
Ms. Michiko Chiyoda’s work will give us an opportunity to think about the restoration and preservation of cultural properties. And it tells us that the process and time will be “prayer”.
Tenonzan Gohyaku Rakanji Butler / Curator Hori Kenshin
Exhibition held at the same time
Along with the publication of the photo book, we will hold an exhibition “Inheritance of the 500 Rakan Restoration Prayer” at the JCII Club 25 Gallery from December 21st (Tue) to December 26th (Sun), 2021.
A photographic work by Michiko Chiyoda, which records restoration efforts to connect the 500 Rakan statues to the future, and an interview video by Mizuki Matsuyama, who conveys the words of the restorer. We will introduce it at a lecture by the restorer Takeshi Nagai and convey the importance of inheriting cultural properties.
“Inheritance of Prayer-Restoration of 500 Arhats” Exhibition
| Period: | December 21st (Tue) -26th (Sun), 2021 10:00-18:00 *No closed days during the period |
|---|---|
| Location: | JCII (Japan Camera Foundation) Club 25 Gallery |
| Address: | 102-0082 25, Ichibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo JCII Ichibancho Building |
| TEL: | 03-3263-7110 |
Lecture on restoration of Buddha statue (real lecture & online delivery at a later date) *Free
| Period: | Saturday, December 25, 2021 14: 00-15: 30 |
|---|---|
| Location: | JCII (Japan Camera Foundation) Conference Room |
| Capacity: | Scheduled for 30 people |
Human and Animal-Life blown into the soil, an exhibition of cutting-edge works of 21st century ceramic art
Lighting sculpture “AKARI” by Isamu Noguchi
The official online store of “Arita porcelain kiln-Fukagawa Seiji” has been renewed
“Changing Ruins Exhibition 2022” Held: Experience the ephemeral and beautiful decay
Beautiful wood jewelery “KASANEGI” finished by ultra fine processing by Buddhist altar craftsmen and goldsmiths
[Tokyo National Museum] Annual New Year’s event
Nara
Countrywide
Kagawa
Kyoto
Countrywide
The Most Beautiful Museum in the World: Simose Art Museum Wins UNESCO’s Prestigious Versailles Prize!
Hiroshima
ZIPANGU Contemporary artists who have run through the Heisei era” Takashi Murakami x Sueo Mizuma dialogue: ‘Beyond the Theory of Artistic Entrepreneurship’ / Interview with Mr. Mizuma: ‘Rediscovering the Value of Japanese Culture by the Japanese People
Hiroshima
National Treasure ‘The Tale of Genji Picture Scroll’ The oldest surviving picture scroll of the tale is on special display at the Tokugawa Art Museum.
Aichi
【Shinwa Auction】A special auction was held at Marunouchi Building Hall. A set of gold tea ceremony utensils with an anecdote about Hideyoshi sold for 345 million yen. A number of notable works, including Yayoi Kusama’s “Pumpkins,” were also on display.
Tokyo
[Yamato Bunkakan] Special Exhibition “Recluse Landscape” Until April 2nd (Sun)
Nara
Limited edition original gin ‘NISHI-GIN’, jointly produced by a group of restaurants in Nishijin, on sale from 25 November.
2024.12.20
Nippon Kodo launches limited-edition incense and incense burner sets with a ‘Snake’ design, the Chinese zodiac sign for 2025.
2024.12.18
Winter special parfait at the Unjo Saryo café in the Tale of Genji Museum, Uji, Kyoto.
2024.12.16
OnigiriBurger ‘Eel Kabayaki – Double Eggs’, newly launched as part of Kansai International Airport OnigiriBurger 1st anniversary menu.
2024.12.13
[New Furano Prince Hotel]This year’s plan to enjoy a snow fairy ‘zebra finch’ birdwatching experience and a lunch set with a zebra finch cake plate.
2024.12.11
Third FUKUCHA brand shop ‘Uji Store’ opens.
2024.12.09
Hiroshima
Art
Simose Art Museum, located in Otake City, Hiroshima Prefecture, has been awarded the prestigious Versailles Prize as the “Most Beautiful Museum in the World.”
The award ceremony took place on December 2 at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, marking a historic moment for the museum and Japanese architecture.
The Versailles Prize Website:https://www.prix-versailles.com/2024
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Food
December sees the arrival of a number of Christmas breads. The Snowman with his cute smiling face is a sweet loaf with two different flavours: pudding cream and chocolate cream. It is a heartwarming treat with flavours that both children and adults can enjoy.
Also back this year is the popular Japanese Stollen, which was a big hit last year. This is a special cake that can only be tasted at Kimuraya, using Japanese-inspired ingredients such as persimmons, figs and koshi-an (sweet bean paste). Please take this opportunity to try Kimuraya’s limited edition Christmas bread.
Hiroshima
Art
The Hiroshima Museum of Art is hosting the exhibition “ZIPANGU: Contemporary Artists Who Defined the Heisei Era” (November 2, 2024 – December 22, 2024). This showcase brings together works by some of the most prominent figures in Japan’s contemporary art scene, including Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, Makoto Aida, Yoshitomo Nara, Chiharu Shiota, Izumi Kato, Akira Yamaguchi, and Miwa Komatsu. The exhibition has already garnered significant attention, exceeding 10,000 visitors.
HYAKKEI covered the dialogue between contemporary artist Takashi Murakami and Sueo Mizuma, the curator of this exhibition, held at the RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima. We also conducted an exclusive interview with Mr. Mizuma.
The discussions centered on the aspirations behind the ZIPANGU exhibition and offered forward-looking insights, not only into Japan’s art world but also into the rediscovery of value within Japanese culture by its people.
Osaka
Food
Event
From 25 Oct (Fri) to 8 Dec (Sun), 2024, a pop-up shop for miffy café tokyo will be held in Umeda, Osaka.
Hiroshima
Travel
Culture
Two types of paper seals made exclusively for autumn, ‘Chrysanthemum and Tanzaku’ and ‘Autumn Leaves and Candles’, have been available since Monday 9 September at Daisho-in Temple on the World Heritage island of Miyajima. Quantities are limited and will run out as soon as they are gone.
Kyoto
Restaurant
Event
On selected days in September 2024, the wedding venue Kyoto Art Grace Wedding Hills will offer a ‘Hanari Otsukimi Afternoon Tea’, where guests can enjoy sweets and savouries inspired by the moon viewing on the fifteenth night of the month.
