The Days of Japanese Culture in Sokolniki

The Days of Japanese culture continue the Asian cultural festival in Sokolniki Park. Despite the fact that the exhibition was held on weekdays, the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy was full of guests. The museum’s presentation hall could hardly accommodate all the visitors.

Mr. Onishi, the First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy in Russia, commenced the opening ceremony with an address of thanks, expressing deep gratitude towards the event’s organizers. Olga Shaburova, Deputy Director of the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy and Director of the National School of Calligraphy, announced that all box-office takings are to be sent to the Embassy of Japan as a donation to help victims of the terrible disaster in Tokyo.

The guests of the museum were introduced to the world-famous calligraphers from Japan — Hirose Shoko and Sashida Takefusa, as well as to ikebana masters and to Koto players (ancient musical instrument). After a small concert of Japanese music interactive master classes began. The Days of Japanese Culture will continue tomorrow, beginning at 12.00 noon.

Concise and expressive works of Japanese masters have transformed the museum’s space. Any material can be used by a Japanese master — paper, interspersed with yarns, fabric, and even kimonos

The official part of the event

Mr. Onishi, the First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in the Russian Federation, speaking at the opening ceremony Olga Shaburova, Deputy Director of the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy giving an interview to a TV-channel

Exotic sounds of traditional Japanese musical instrument Koto, a unique performance mesmerized the audience

Hirose Shoko Sashida Takefusa

Hirose Shoko and Sashida Takefusa writing hieroglyphs on visitors’ request

“Friendship” and “Love” “Peace”

Vyacheslav Fedyainov, Ex-Consul General of the Soviet Union in Japan, Ex-First Secretary of the USSR Embassy in Japan, expertly and artistically translated the Japanese guests, not only conveying intricate shades of meaning, but also providing his commentary

It turns out that such wonderful art as ikebana has quite simple rules

Ikebana

Source: Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy