Activity

Overview

Art exhibition “Reimei” was held at Nikko Toshogu Shrine for five days from July 21 (Sun) to July 25 (Thu), 2019. The artworks were exhibited at the East & West Corridors as well as the Kyakuden (Visitors’ Hall), which was designed by Mr. Kenzo Tange, the recipient of the Order of Culture of　Japan and the Legion of Honor of France. He is also the designer of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government buildings.

Opening Ceremony 

The opening ceremony was held at Butokuden Hall at 14:00 on July 21. First, Mr. Hisao Inaba, Chief Priest of Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the host of this event, greeted the artists and explained the significance of the exhibition. After the greetings of three attendees, Mr. Inaba awarded the “Certificate of Contribution to Permanent Peace” and “Certificate of the Acceptance of Dedicated Works” to the artists in honor of their outstanding achievements.

232 exhibitors, including their companions, participated in the ceremony.

Greeting by Mr. Hisao Inaba, Chief Priest of Nikko Toshogu Shrine

In the beginning, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to artists gathered here from all over the country, Mr. Takao Saito, Head of Education of Nikko City Education Committee and Mr. Nobutoshi Akao, Senior Advisor of the Geibun-Association which is co-hosting this exhibition.

This art exhibition entitled “Reimei” perfectly matches with this shrine, which marked the 20th anniversary of Nikko Toshogu Srine’s registration as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. These artists’ works will soothe the heart of Ieyasu Tokugawa, who wished for a peaceful world, and will also heal the souls of many people who come to this exhibition.

We are also exhibiting excellent works by elementary and junior high school students from all over Japan. We sincerely hope that this exhibition will contribute to fostering the next generation through art.

Congratulatory Speech by Mr. Takao Saito, Head of Education of Nikko City Education Committee

First, I would like to congratulate on the art exhibition “Reimei” celebrating the 20th anniversary of Nikko Toshogu Shrine’s registration as the World Heritage Site.

I have heard that a lot of works with numerous prayers for peace are exhibited in this exhibition, consistent with the Tokugawa Ieyasu’s thoughts for peace. It is the first exhibition held in the Reiwa era, and I hope that the new era will give children a peaceful and hopeful world. I wish every success with this exhibition.

Congratulatory Telegram from Mr. Tomikazu Fukuda, Governor of Tochigi Prefecture

I offer my heartiest congratulations on holding this art exhibition, which celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Nikko Toshogu’s registration as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. I wish this exhibition every success.

Greeting by Mr. Nobutoshi Akao, Senior Advisor of the Geibun-Association

We are very pleased to co-host this art exhibition with Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Thank you very much for attending the ceremony and exhibition.

19 years have passed since the Geibun-Association started, including the period of predecessor World Art and Culture Exchange, and it will mark the

period of predecessor World Art and Culture Exchange, and it will mark the 20th year of its establishment in August this year. Until now, we have continued our activities to promote mutual understanding and contribute to world peace through exchanges with artists from around the world. I would like to ask for your continued cooperation and support.

Awards Ceremony 

The award ceremony was conducted by Mr. Inaba, Chief Priest, and he awarded the “Certificate of Contribution to Permanent Peace” and “Certificate of Acceptance of Dedicated Works” to the artists. By working together with Mr. Inaba for the past several art exhibitions as well as the present one, we have been impressed with his deep understanding of art and also with the importance that he attaches to art, following Tokugawa Ieyasu’s will and aim to create a beautiful and peaceful nation.

Tenka Taihei Flags with Artworks Dedicated to Nikko Toshogu Shrine

In addition to the exhibition of art, huge flags of 2m (height) x 1m (width), were displayed as Tenka Taihei (world peace) flags along the roads leading to the exhibition site. The artists’ works and venerable family crests (the crest of Tokugawa family as well as that of family of each artist) on them overwhelmed tourists visiting the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The beautiful scenery was demonstrated in the Era of Reiwa, reminiscent of Ieyasu’s peaceful world that lasted over 260 years.

Live Painting and Special Prayer

On the occasion of art exhibitions that we organized at Nikko Toshogu Shrine in the past, various types of art sessions have been held, such as art sessions with children (artists and elementary and junior high school children in Nikko area jointly draw on large canvases), demonstrations of calligraphy and, more recently, live paintings by painters. At the end of the opening ceremony this time, we organized a session for live painting by Mr. Minoru Hirota with commentaries by Mr. Fuminori Terakubo, standing members of the Hakujitsu Fine Art Association. The model was Mr. IchiroYuzawa, Assistant Chief Priest of Nikko Toshogu Shrine.

Finally, the special prayer was conducted in the Shogun Chakuzanoma (Shogun’s Chamber) of the Main Hall of the Shrine, concluding the first day’s event “Ceremony for the Dedication of Art”.