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"Project Japan" celebrates a special time when artists in Japan regained their self-belief, rediscovering confidence in their own distinctive cultural identity. It also recognizes that traditional buildings, classical gardens and the historic town scape are keys to understanding the current scene - launched this week at the Embassy of Japan
Photo Credit: Graham Cooper©
Japanese Events in London: 11th - 17th May 2009
On Monday the 11th May, the Embassy of Japan is hosting a talk titled, "How Universities Support Industrial Innovation in Japan and the UK."
Research and development to any organisation is vital, the global village concept means that what can be invented in Japan can be produced anywhere and vica versa. Universities are ideal testing grounds and this talk highlights collaborative research programmes. The University of Brighton and the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have been working for the last couple of years to strengthen their ties and develop mutually beneficial research.
This is obviously an academic event and would be of interest to someone with an understanding of Japan and the UK trade agreements. This conference is based on their practical experience but also looks at the policy and incentives developing in both countries to help universities and industry work together. The event has been organised by JSPS and JETRO and is supported by the Embassy of Japan.
After the conference a reception will be held with music provided by Taichi Imanishi, a University of Brighton student and notable percussionist.
Registration is essential - please contact the Embassy for further information.
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Also this week, and organised by the Embassy of Japan, is the launch of a book called, "Project Japan" by Graham Cooper. Mr Cooper has for many years held a fascination for Japanese architecture and design, from the pre-1854 Edo period to modern-day Tokyo.
Graham describes his book as, "an introduction to architecture and design in Japan, from traditional buildings and gardens to contemporary Japanese architecture." In 2001 Graham was architectural organiser for the Japan Festival and, during an earlier stay, he completed an artist fellowship with the Japan Foundation. What fascinates Graham is that Japan lived in isolation for 300 years during the Edo period until an emperor came to power and renamed Edo to Tokyo. Following from this the nation went through rapid growth and by the 1960's was the second largest economy in the world."
Project Japan is on sale for £30 at Paragon Books, please quote ISBN: 978 1 86470 309 2.