Following the success of Japonismes 2018: les âmes en résonance, an event that showcased Japanese arts and culture in France, the Japan Foundation held Japan 2019 in the United States this fiscal year from March to December 2019 to introduce Japanese arts and culture. Besides eight Japan 2019 Official Program events held mainly in New York and Washington, D.C., there were a total of 138 certified Japan 2019 Associated Program events planned through a variety of initiatives in regions across the United States. Based on the numerous past exchanges held over long years, experts from both Japan and the United States combined their talents to create high-quality exhibitions and stage performances that stirred the emotions of audiences. The total number of visitors to all Japan 2019 programs exceeded 1.29 million.
Eight Official Program Events
The Life of Animals in Japanese Art
This exhibition introduced a variety of animal expressions deeply connected to Japanese culture and life through more than 300 works such as paintings, sculptures, lacquer art, ceramic art, metalwork, cloisonné enamel and woodblock prints, from 5th century Haniwa to contemporary works. This exhibition was selected as one of The Best Art of 2019 by The Wall Street Journal.
Period/Venues:
June 2 – August 18, 2019
National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
September 22 – December 8, 2019
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The Tale of Genji: A Japanese Classic Illuminated
This special exhibition marked the opening of Japan 2019. The exhibition introduced the world of The Tale of Genji through 135 selected items (including two National Treasures and nine Important Cultural Properties) such as calligraphy, picture albums, handscrolls, hanging scrolls and folding screens.
Period: March 5 – June 16, 2019
Venue: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York)
Shinto: Discovery of the Divine in Japanese Art
This event exhibited approximately 125 precious works (including approximately 20 Important Cultural Properties) such as paintings and sculptures as well as ritual masks and costumes used in Shinto rites from the Heian to Edo periods. This was the first large Shinto-themed exhibition held in the United States in 43 years.
Period: April 9 – June 30, 2019
Venue: The Cleveland Museum of Art (Ohio State)
Photo by David Brichford; courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
Japan Day 2019 @ Central Park
Small live performances were held by WagakkiBand and rock musician KAI YOSHIHIRO BAND at this once-per-year outdoor event that celebrated its 13th year.
Date: May 12, 2019
Venue: Bandshell area, Central Park (New York)
(c) Gion
JAPAN NIGHT Concert
On the night of Japan Day, there were live performances at JAPAN NIGHT by HYDE & WagakkiBand with a special performance by calligrapher Sisyu & WagakkiBand and MISIA with special guest Puffy AmiYumi.
Date: May 12, 2019
Venues: PlayStation Theater/Sony Hall (New York)
(c) Mayumi Nashida
MIYAGI Satoshi's Antigone
This was the first time the Park Avenue Armory invited a stage production by a Japanese director. This Greek tragedy Antigone, directed by MIYAGI Satoshi and produced by Shizuoka Performing Arts Center (SPAC), was performed 12 times. It was selected by TIME magazine as The 10 Best Theater Performances of 2019.
Period: September 25 – October 6, 2019
Venue: Park Avenue Armory (New York)）
Photo: Stephanie Berger
Sugimoto Bunraku Sonezaki Shinju
Sugimoto Bunraku Sonezaki Shinju made its production premiere in the United States at the opening of the White Light Festival at Lincoln Center, the world's largest comprehensive performing arts facility.
Period: October 19 - 22, 2019
Venue: Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall (New York)
(c) Yuji Ono
National Cherry Blossom Festival Performances
KAWAI Ikuko Ensemble and traditional Japanese instruments, MOCHIZUKI Yusaku (Mochi) with video and juggling, and the 2.5-Dimensional Musical "Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon" The Super Live performed at the opening ceremony of the National Cherry Blossom Festival held each spring in the U.S. capital.
Period: March 22-24, 2019
Venues: Warner Theatre/Freer Gallery of Art (and other venues in Washington, D.C.)
(c) TAKEUCHI Naoko · PNP/ Production Committee of "Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon" The Super Live