10 Jul 2016

With 2016 marking 50 years of Japan-Botswana diplomatic relations and Botswana’s golden jubilee, the Embassy of Japan hosted an art exhibition aimed at marking both milestones for both countries.

Officially launching the exhibition at Thapong Visual Arts Centre, the Ambassador of Japan to Botswana, Masahiro Onishi said the exhibition was themed handcrafted form: traditions and techniques and it would run until July 27.

He said the exhibition represents traditional Japanese culture and handcrafted forms and introduces examples of the traditional Japanese arts and crafts which have developed within the context of daily life along with works by Japanese craft artists who continue to use traditional techniques to produce highly creative pieces.

“People will have the opportunity to see and enjoy traditional Japanese handcrafts eyes and also develop an understanding of Japanese culture,” he said, adding that the exhibition was hosted by the Embassy of Japan, the Japan Foundation and Thapong Visual Arts Centre.

Onishi noted that Japan and Botswana have established relations over 50 years and believes that the friendly relations between the two countries was not nurtured only in political and economic areas, but also in cultural areas such as art, music and sport.

“It is my wish that this exhibition will show you the heart of Japanese people through traditional arts as the purpose of this exhibition is to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Botswana and Japan through cultural activities,” he concluded.

For his part, the coordinator of Thapong Visual Arts Centre, Reginald Bakwena said the exhibition was a first for its kind hosted by the Embassy of Japan.

He said the exhibition creates an opportunity for local artists and communities to learn and be inspired by Japanese techniques on handcrafts.

 Bakwena said it was important for other artists and art lovers to know how Japanese handcrafters handle their material and how they apply their high level techniques.

“As Thapong, we feel it is also important to host this exhibition as it will teach our local craft-makers new techniques of doing things so that ideas can be transformed into sellable products,” he said.

He encouraged local artists to visit the centre and appreciate the handcrafts being displayed.

“The centre is open Monday to Saturday from 10am-3pm for the duration of the exhibition,” he concluded. ENDS