05 Sep 2013

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Phandu Skelemani, Bank of Botswana governor, Ms Linah Mhohlo and envoys resident in Botswana were among guests who attended the Japanese traditional culture exhibition on September 4.

Speaking at the occasion, which has been hailed as a good step towards promoting home-grown culture by most attendants, the Ambassador of Japan to Botswana, Mr Hiroyasu Kobayashi, said the event is a unique showcase of Japanese traditional culture fused together in exhibition and performance.

However, the exhibition which has evoked many thoughts among art lovers, was realised through the initiative of Dr Kyoko Horie, vice chairperson of the Executive Committee of Traditional Arts of Japan Towards the 21st Century, in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan in Botswana.

The event was thmed ‘Cherry Blossoms and Heisei Version of Genji Monogatari Picture Scroll Exhibition.’ In display were works of modern Japanese calligraphists, who had created their work with the theme of cherry blossoms.

According to Ambassador Kobayashi, cherry blossoms are a cherished symbol in Japan and the flowers blossom around March and April, which is the beginning of spring in Japan, and which is also the beginning of their school year and fiscal year. 

He further said they symbolise beginnings and ends, new meetings and farewells, adding that when cherry blossoms come into full bloom, with clouds of small, pink blossoms as far as the eye can see, people gather underneath these cherry trees to picnic and celebrate the end and beginning of new season of the New Year.

Also in display were the Genji Monogatari Picture Scrolls. 

Genji Monogatari, written in the 11th century by a woman known as Lady Murasaki, is the World’s oldest novels, vividly depicting the lives and practices of the imperial court in Japan at the time.

Guests had the opportunity to see live performances such as that of calligraphy (Japanese specialised drawings), followed by a demonstration of traditional Japanese tea ceremony and demonstration of Japanese kimono dressing. ENDS