"CULTURE GATE to JAPAN"

A Cultural Communication Project by the Agency for Cultural Affairs

Media Arts exhibition fusing traditional Japanese culture and technology to be exhibited at Haneda Airport and one other location starting Wednesday, January 19, 2022

TOKYO, Jan. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, launched an innovative cultural promotion project called "CULTURE GATE to JAPAN" at Haneda airport and the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal for its second year on January 19^th 2022. This project, allows artists and creators active in the field of Media Arts to create works based on various aspects of Japanese culture and exhibit them at airports and cruise terminals to convey the appeal of Japanese culture.

Two installations will be on display at Haneda Airport. The first, "NEO-KAKEJIKU", infuses traditional hanging scrolls with technology and in a modern interpretation, and the second installation is based on the theme of 'fireworks'.

The Tokyo International Cruise Terminal will host "+A+" (pronounced "Plus A-Plus"), an exhibition of video works on the theme of the sea and the human heart, curated by TAKEKAWA Junichi  (a representative of David Watts inc.), known for his work as the Creative Director of MUTEK.JP.

[Overview of Each exhibition]

(1) Exhibition title: "NEO-KAKEJIKU"
Location: Haneda Airport Terminal 2, 2nd floor Marketplace
Period: January 19, 2022 – March 21, 2022*
YouTube link: https://youtu.be/AT8JmxsPREQ  

The incorporation and blending of inherited traditional culture and cutting-edge technology can be highlighted as an allure of Japanese culture. We will exhibit Welcome Art installations at the airport, inviting visitors to experience and appreciate the confluence of traditional Japanese art with a wide range of contemporary Media Arts, including modern forms of entertainment such as manga and animation, as well as other art forms utilizing technology.

Hanging scrolls mount paintings and calligraphy on places such as alcoves and walls as decoration or to be appreciated. In this exhibit, we have added technology and modern interpretations to that traditional media to establish new manifestations. A monitor has been placed in the center area called the 'honshi,' which is usually adorned by a picture or calligraphy to play videos created by five artists who work in the realm of contemporary Media Arts.