Activity

An exhibition, imaging the cultural exchange in the licensed trading ship (Shuinsen) period of Japan and the Ayutthaya Kingdom (now Kingdom of Thailand) which is famous for the story of Nagamasa Yamada was held. From Thailand 5 famous professors (Mr. Panya Vijinthanasarn、Mr. Amrit Chusuwan、Mr. Bancha Hnangsue、Mr. Pairoj Wangbon、Mr. Songchai Buacham) who engage in teaching at Silpakorm University, which is famous for its high level of art and culture came to Japan and displayed 33 items. From Japan 140 artists who sympathized with the purpose of this exhibition participated by displaying 141 items. Another 31 items which were made by children were also displayed and they all competed for its talent.

The exhibition was held at Asean-Japan Centre. The purpose of this exhibition matches with the purpose of the Asean-Japan Centre which is to support any activities enhancing to linkage the bond between Japan and Asean.

The location of the Centre is close to the exit of Onarimon station of metro and it faces Hibiya road. Therefore many business people walked pass the centre for going to work or for lunch and stopped by the panel displayed in the entrance and many of them ended up entering the exhibition. The exhibitor also brought their disciple, friends and family to the centre and visitors kept increasing.

The professors of Silpakorn University welcomed the visitors by themselves when they had time. They explained about their displayed items and took pictures with visitors when they were asked. The visitors all went home with smiles on their faces.

From Thailand M.R.Somlabh Kitiyakara, Chairman of “WAC” (World Art and Culture exchange) and Mr. Anuwat Boonithee, Executive of WAC and honorary board member of Red Cross Thailand also came to the exhibition.

On 15th of Oct (Sat), an art session with Japanese artists, professors of Silpakorn University and Japanese children were held. An opening speech was made by Mr. Somlabh Kitiyakara followed by a speech from Mr. Panya Vijinthanasarn representing Silpakorn University.

Children learned by writing and drawing about themes given by each artist, charcoal-ink painter Mr. Hansui Sakamoto and calligrapher Ms. Setsuko Uchida with   help from artists who came to help the event and also from professors of Thailand. At the end all the children as well as Japanese and Thai artists drew pictures about “Spring of Japan and Thailand” after calligrapher Ms. Seika Uchibori performed her calligraphy. A compliment speech from former principle and printmaker Mr. Keiichi Sakuno about how meaningful this exhibition is for exchanging cultures were made and the event ended in great success.

On 16th of Oct (Sun), exhibitor artist party was also held as 5th Social gathering of WAC at Hakozaki Royal Park Hotel. Artist form all over Japan (more than 100 people including their accompanying person) and professors from Silpakorn University attended.

For guest of honor, Mr. Sasiwat Wongsinsawat, minister counselor of Thai Embassy in Japan, M.R.Somlabh Kitiyakara, chairman of WAC, Mr. Anuwat Boonithee,  executive of WAC, Mr. Nobutoshi Akao, senior advisor of WAC and Ms. Bhusdee Navavichit, cultural

advisor attended. The party was a miniaturized version of Japan-Thailand cultural exchange.

Then a congratulatory speech by the guests of honor was made. Mr. Sasiwat Wongsinsawat minister counselor of Thai Embassy in Japan talked about the long history of trade and friendship between Japan and Thailand which started from the Ayutthaya Kingdom and about how pop culture of Japan is now popular in Thailand and celebrated the cultural interexchange. Mr. Akao, senior advisor of WAC talked about the importance of cultural exchange for international friendship and welcomed and expressed his gratitude to visitors for coming to the event.

The party had a friendly atmosphere and there were many performances. Painting on folding screens by Mr. Tohun Kobayashi, and poetry reading by Ms. Mieko Kasai were performed followed by an awarding ceremony of Golden Silk Award for Art and Culture at the end of the event.

Speech about the event from Mr. Somlabh Kitiyakara
Chairman of WAC

“The history between Japan and Thailand started from the licensed trading ship (Shuinsen) period with the story of Nagamasa Yamada which has been told until today. Right now there are many problems in Japan and Thailand and it breaks my heart to know that some people are unhappy. I think the idea to restore Silk Road for encouraging cultural interchange is a great idea and hope that many people will be able to visit this meaningful event.”

Opening speech for Art session with children from Mr. Panya Vijinthanasarn
Advisor of WAC

“Pictures drawn by children with pure hearts are very beautiful in a different way from pictures drawn by artists  who have already learned how to draw. It differs from pictures which have been drawn by knowledge and skills and have a different dimension of beauty. Adult artist have a lot to learn from childrens’ drawings. Therefore I was very excited about coming to this event today.”

Speech for exhibition and gathering from Mr. Nobutoshi Akao
Senior advisor of WAC

“For eternal interchange between Japan and Thailand, we must promote heart to heart interchange. Therefore interchange of creative art culture is very meaningful and important. I would also like to welcome and thank everyone for coming to this event today.”

Schedule: 12th – 19th of May 2010
Venue: Location: Asean-Japan Centre
Sponsor: World Art and culture exchange in Tokyo
Support: Asean-Japan Centre
Red Cross of Thailand
The Japan Thailand Association
Association for Commemorative Events of the 1300th Anniversary of Nara Heijo-kyo Capital
Cooperation: Silpakorn University of Thailand