From prehistoric Jomon times to the present day, the Japanese have expressed their awe of nature and gratitude for its bounty in their daily lives. In this category, Japan Cultural Expo presents artistic and cultural treasures that express the full spectrum of the “arts of Japan,” from ceramics and figurines from the Jomon period (13,000-500 BCE), Buddhist statues and other forms of sculpture, ukiyo, woodblock prints, intricate screens and other handmade paintings and works, to contemporary art, manga and anime.
Among the landmarks of Japan’s landscape and culture is the beauty of its architecture and interiors, from traditional to contemporary, temples, shrines and homes. Here we also present the work being done in Japan in repair and renovation technologies using traditional natural materials such as handmade paper and natural lacquer. These technologies convey methods of repairing cultural property using the latest reproduction and copying technologies. This section also presents a variety of hands-on and other experience programs through which interested people can get up close and personal with art and cultural treasures.
From kabuki, bunraku, noh and kyogen, gagaku, kumiōdori and other traditional performing arts passed down through history, to folk performing arts passed down in local areas, popular urban and traveling performing arts such as rakugo and kodan storytelling, and contemporary theater, Japan Cultural Expo presents stage performances that convey the spirit of respect for nature through the four seasons.
The stage performances, held in cultural institutions and other public venues, will utilize design and modern video image projection; sets and properties will give viewers the opportunity to immediately experience the natural landscape and beauty of Japan. Projects also include production to make program content accessible to visitors from overseas, as well as experience-style programs.