Special Japan exhibition entitled “JAPAN: Tradition. Innovation.”
at the Canadian Museum of Civilization

 

From May 20 to October 10, the Canadian Museum of Civilization is holding a special Japan exhibition entitled “JAPAN: Tradition. Innovation.” This exhibition’s theme is an attempt to discover new things by studying the past through scrutiny of the old. The museum is displaying Japanese items, which represent the world's most advanced cutting-edge science and technology as well as products with modern designs through showcasing products that are being used in day-to-day living in North America. Museum visitors can learn that many of those items have their historical roots in traditional culture from the Edo period (1603 - 1868).

 

Thanks to those who were involved in the preparations of this exhibition, the official opening was held on May 19 as scheduled. At the end of the week, the highly successful special demonstrations of ASIMO by Honda and Karakuri Ningyo, elaborate mechanical dolls by Master Craftman Shobei Tamaya IX were presented, attracting thousands of people.

 

Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization made opening remarks and explained that this exhibition’s aim is to showcase the development of modern Japan whose roots can be traced to its long history and traditions. Furthermore, he conveyed a warm message that this exhibition allows visitors to realize that Japan will rise again after the disaster which he believes will support Japan’s recovery process.

 

Ambassador Ishikawa also delivered a speech and expressed that not only did this disaster show all of us the incredible power of Mother Nature, but it has forced us to once again consider the need for a balance between nature and mankind. And now, more than ever before, Japan must rely on its tradition of hard work and dedication and utilize the innovation of its people to move forward, supported by the warm and concrete encouragement from all over the world, including the most generous support and deep compassion from Canada.   

 

This exhibition will be held until October 10 and various special related events are also scheduled to take place. We hope to have many people come visit the exhibition.

 

The Canadian Museum of Civilization website： http://www.civilization.ca/japan


Ottawa Citizen review with photo and video: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/travel/These+robots+will+knock+your+socks/4817611/story.html

 

An advertisement of the exhibition displayed on

one of the tour buses in Ottawa

At the reception: Ambassador Ishikawa and his wife; Mr. Marc Bureau, Gatineau Mayor and his sister-in-law;

Mr. Hiroaki Isobe, the Consul General of Japan in Montreal

Opening ceremony: Ambassador Ishikawa making remarks

Ms. Yuki Isami, Japanese music performer, Ambassador Ishikawa

Press briefing: Mr. Jerry Chenkin, Executive Vice-President of Honda Canada; Ambassador Ishikawa; ASIMO; Dr. Minami Hirakawa, Director General of the National Museum
of Japanese History; Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization; Mr. Alan Elder, Curator of the Canadian Museum of Civilization　　　　　

Ambassador Ishikawa, Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, an Ikebana work by

Mr. Mitsugi Kikuchi　　

The demonstration by ASIMO

The demonstration by ASIMO

The demonstration of Karakuri Ningyo by

Master Craftman Shobei Tamaya IX

The Canadian Museum of Civilization and

Parliament Hill across the Ottawa River