Exhibition in memory of 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami

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THE “Beautiful Handicrafts of Tohoku, Japan” is an exhibition planned to mark the March 11 anniversary of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and
tsunami.
The Tohoku region, known for its beautiful mountains and seascapes as well as its rich local culture and history, suffered damage and destruction of unprecedented proportions.
Much was lost, with manufacturing and handicraft culture being the hardest hit.
People in the local areas affected by the disaster, however, have been working closely to rebuild, intent on restoring peace and normality to their
lives as soon as possible.
“This exhibition reminds us once again of the distinctive appeal of Tohoku’s heritage of arts and craft. The displays present works of various genres – ceramics, lacquerware, textiles, metalwork, wood and bamboo crafts and others, allowing visitors to enjoy the diverse and exquisite world of Tohoku traditions,” director of Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur, Koichi Horikawa said at the launch of the exhibition at the Penang Museum on July 25, byWong Hon Wai, political secretary to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Also present were Consul-General of Japan Kiyoshi Itoi and director of Penang Museum, Haryany Mohamad.
Horikawa added that the works present an opportunity to discover anew the high-level of traditional craft techniques nurtured in the Tohoku region and the functional beauty of daily implements used since ancient times in Japan.
The “Beautiful Handicrafts of Tohoku, Japan” is on till Aug 21, and will be exhibited next in Fiji.
Meanwhile, Wong said the the exhibition in Penang will bring back memories of this town in Japan, which was badly hit by the earthquake and
tsunami of 2011.
He added that the number of Japanese living in Penang has doubled in numbers since 2008.
“We now have some 2,800 Japanese nationals working, residing and going to retire in Penang,” Wong said.
At the function, Wong also presented prizes to some winners of the colouring contests held to commemorate the exhibition.
Guests present were also treated to local delicacies at the Hari Raya -’Sakuraya’ open house –hosted by the museum.
Exhibition in memory of 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami Wong (right) admiring the ‘paper birds’ put up at the exhibits. Looking on is Haryany (left).if (document.currentScript) {