This summer I've been working on translations for two exhibitions that have just opened at Tokyo National Museum. If you're in Tokyo this summer, they should be well worth the visit to Ueno.

Kukai's World: The Arts of Esoteric Buddhism
Heiseikan Special Exhibition Galleries ：July 20, 2011 (Wed) - September 25, 2011 (Sun)
http://kukai2011.jp/

Kukai, founder of the Shingon-sect Esoteric Buddhism, saw illustrations as effective tools for transmitting Esoteric Buddhist teachings, which are complex and difficult to explain in words. For this reason, great importance was attached to visible forms in Shingon-sect Esoteric Buddhism. This blockbuster exhibition introduces masterpieces of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism--the promotional materials cite 98.9% registered National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties!--with a focus on the period when philosophical elements maintained a strong presence in the works. Along with objects brought by Kukai from Tang China, works directly related to him are also featured, such as his writings and sculptures produced under his instruction.

Also on view concurrently and well worth the visit is a fascinating exhibition of early photographs tracing the relationship between Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen and Japanese entrepreneur Umemiya Shokichi on this centenary anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution.

Sun Yat-sen and Umeya Shokichi: China and Japan 100 years ago
Honkan Room T5   July 26, 2011 (Tue) - September 4, 2011 (Sun)
http://www.tnm.jp/modules/r_free_page/index.php?id=1398
http://mainichi.jp/enta/art/sonbun/ (Japanese only)

Tomoe Arts is a presenting sponsor for a Japanese film shot in Toronto being screened in Richmond on Thursday night as part of the Richmond International Film and Media Arts Festival. Colleen invited me along, so I'm going to check it out. Sounds like fun.

Thursday, July 21, 9:00 pm
at the Richmond Cultural Centre
7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond, BC

Get a sneak peek with the trailer below: