Activity

70 Years Since the End of the Pacific War

— Art Bridge Connecting the World: Prayers to the Spirits for KOTONASHI —
Traces of Art Exchange to Connect Hearts
The Art of Japan and Hawaii Leading to “KOTONASHI”

The Opening Ceremony of the “Art Exhibition of KOTONASHI,” an exhibition to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War, was held at 10:00 am in the Lama Library at Kapi’olani Community College of the University of Hawaii, which is situated on the slope of Diamond Head.Morning of December 4, 2014

Mr. Nobutoshi Akao, Senior Advisor of the World Art and Culture Exchange (WAC), which is the co-sponsor of this Art Exhibition, delivered an opening remark, stating that advocating world peace in this exhibition right before 2015, the year marking the 70th anniversary since the end of the Pacific War, is very meaningful.

Dr. Leon Richards, Chancellor of Kapi’olani Community College of the University of Hawaii, which is the co-sponsor of this Art Exhibition, followed with a speech in which he stated that he highly appreciated the art education provided by the Japanese artists on this occasion.

Consul-General Toyoei Shigeeda of the Consulate-General of Japan in Honolulu complimented the event. He said that he has been promoting the Japanese culture himself, and he introduced some stories by including the Japanese old saying “KOTONASHI” in the speech.

Mr. Jonathan Johnson, Executive Director of the Hawai’i State Foundation on Culture & the Arts, was the next presenter and he complimented the exhibition. He also informed the audience of the cultural event called the Friday Night Event, which was held on the following day sponsored by the Hawaii State Government.

Ms. Misty Kela’i, Executive Director of Honolulu Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts, concluded the ceremony with a complimentary remark and a beautiful Hawaiian song.

Calligraphy performance by Calligrapher Shoko Sunami

Mr. Nobutoshi Akao, Senior Advisor of WAC, presented a list of collection of the “Art Exhibition of KOTONASHI” to Chancellor Leon Richards.

Afternoon of December 4, 2014

At the cafeteria of Kapi’olani Community College, three artists performed calligraphy writing and sumi-ink painting. The viewers including Hawaiian artists seemed to be very impressed by the unique brush strokes using sumi-ink.

Demonstration by Ms. Seika Yamauchi (Calligraphy)

Demonstration by Ms. Ninshu Mukoyama (Calligraphy)

Demonstration by Ms. Eho Kakimi (Sumi-ink)

Evening of December 4, 2014

Reception was held at Kapi’olani Community College. All guests and artists, including Chancellor Leon Richards and faculty members of the college, enjoyed conversation and interaction, which contributed to the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.

Morning of December 5, 2014

The Japanese Art Seminar was held in Olapa Building of Kapi’olani Community College. The seminar included an introduction and demonstration of various arts including Japanese painting, western painting and crafts. The exchange of cultures with the University of Hawaii through Japanese art and exhibition was concluded with this event.

Period: 4th-10th December 2014
Venue: Kapi’olani Community College, LAMA Library
Co-hosted: University of Hawaii, Kapi’olani Community College / General Incorporated Association World Art and Culture Exchange
Supporting Organization:
Hawaii Sate Foundation on Culture and Arts / City and County of Honolulu / Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu
Publicity: “bun-ten” FINESSE Co.,Ltd