Category: Pickup

East Japan Railway Company opened the entire "PLATFORM13" at Ueno Station, a model station for the "Beyond Stations Concept," on August 1, 2024. Ueno Station is a cultural creation hub and disseminates various cultures, and as part of this initiative, PLATFORM13 will be broadcasting the railway x art content "Famous Trains from Ueno" from August 30th. By combining the famous trains that have colored the history of Ueno Station with digital graphics and calligraphy art, you can experience the world-famous Japanese cultures of "railroads" and "calligraphy" through the dynamic video space of PLATFORM13. Additionally, together with Epson Sales Corporation and Flyby Inc., we will be conducting a demonstration experiment in which a QR code based on railway graphics will be projected onto station platforms using a projector, combining it with railway images generated by generative AI.

1. About the broadcast of the railway x art content "Famous Trains Departing from Ueno Station"
By combining eight famous trains that have coloured the railway culture and stories of each era throughout the long history of Ueno Station with the techniques of digital graphics and calligraphy, an art created by human sensibility and real hands, we will develop this as innovative railway culture promotion content.
In addition to tracing the history of Ueno Station, images of famous trains in their heyday are projected onto a 100m-long wall, creating a dynamic presentation that makes you feel as if you are actually watching trains approaching and receding, combined with impressive calligraphy art of the trains' nicknames written by calligraphers, allowing you to experience magnificent art that also evokes nostalgia.

(1) Broadcast location: Ueno Station, Platform 13
(2) Broadcast period: August 30, 2024 (Friday) to October 14, 2024 (Monday/holiday)
(3) Broadcast time: 8:00-21:30*
(4) Trains featured: Toki Express, Asama Express, Hakutsuru Sleeper Express, Hitachi Express
Sleeper Express Akebono Sleeper Express Hokutosei Sleeper Express Cassiopeia E5 Series Shinkansen Hayabusa

(※)・Broadcasting will be suspended during the following times.
From September 30th onwards: Mondays 4:00-11:30/Thursdays 16:00-19:00/Saturdays 4:00-11:30/Sundays 16:00-19:00
・Due to circumstances such as transportation disruptions, access to platform 13 may be restricted or broadcasting may be stopped without prior notice.

<Broadcast image>

About Calligraphy Art
By employing internationally active calligrapher SHIN-REI, who has a track record of collaborating with various cultural scenes such as sports, music, games, and fashion, and who has performed calligraphy at the Louvre Museum and written the title characters for the Judo Grand Slam Osaka 2019, we have created calligraphy art that is suitable for video content that will disseminate cultural values to the world at Ueno Station as a "cultural creation hub."

2. Demonstration experiment of QR code projection fused with railway images using generative AI
In conjunction with the broadcast of the railway x art content "Famous Trains at Ueno Station," a demonstration experiment of new technology utilizing projected images will be conducted at PLATFORM13 with the cooperation of Epson Sales Co., Ltd. and Flyby Inc.
A QR code fused with a train graphic image generated by AI will be projected onto the station platform. By reading this QR code with a smartphone camera, users can access a special page on the JRE MALL website featuring merchandise for the eight famous trains.

[Reference] Shin-Rei
Calligrapher MaMio
She started calligraphy at the age of 7. She has won numerous awards at the Yomiuri Calligraphy Exhibition and the Japan Calligraphy Institute Exhibition. She is active not only in Japan, but also in Europe, America, and Asia, where she has performed calligraphy at the Louvre Museum in France, and is active globally, holding workshops and solo exhibitions. She is also actively exploring new possibilities and fields of calligraphy, such as the world's first collaboration between calligrapher Mae and Waterlight Graffiti.

[Reference] The vision of the "Beyond Stations Concept"
Starting with the goal of enriching people's lives, we will transform the layout and function of station spaces while taking advantage of the strengths of stations as real-world exchange hubs, and by expanding the JRE POINT living area, we will transform stations from "transportation hubs" to "life platforms."
At our model station, Ueno Station, we will continue to expand our services that combine the real world and online, and realize the "enriching lifestyle" that only we can provide.

[Reference] July 29, 2024 Press Release: Ueno Station "PLATFORM13" to open in its entirety
URL: https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2024/20240729_ho03.pdf

From the press release of East Japan Railway Company

Article provided by: Kokosil Ueno

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Saturday, August 17, 2024 – Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Ueno Geidai Art Plaza (free admission)

A special exhibition, “Geidai Art Plaza Art Award Winners Invitation Exhibition – Geidai Stars” will be held from Saturday, August 17, 2024 at the gallery “Geidai Art Plaza ( https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/ )” on the campus of the Faculty of Fine Arts of Tokyo University of the Arts (Ueno, Taito Ward), a collaborative project between Shogakukan and Tokyo University of the Arts. This exhibition will display and sell works by approximately 30 artists associated with Geidai. Admission is free, and photography is generally allowed. Children are welcome.

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Exhibition announcement page
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/24936/
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Special exhibition “Geidai Art Plaza Art Award Winners Invitation Exhibition” to be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024

The Geidai Art Plaza Grand Prize is an annual art competition for Geidai students that has been running for about 20 years. Starting this year, the name has changed to Geidai Art Plaza Art Award, and new categories such as the Shogakukan Prize and JR East Prize have been established, as well as a digital art category.

This year, we will be holding the “Art Award Winners Invitation Exhibition,” which brings together new works from past winners of the fine arts division. There will be a wide range of ages and genres, from current students of the Tokyo University of the Arts who are expected to have a bright future, to works by graduates who are attracting attention as artists. Please enjoy the exhibition, which allows you to experience the “now” of each artist.

■ Overview of the special exhibition <br />Title of the special exhibition: “Geidai Art Plaza Art Award Winners Invitation Exhibition – The Stars of Geidai”
Venue: Geidai Art Plaza (Tokyo University of the Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts, 12-8 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
Date: August 17th (Sat) – October 20th (Sun), 2024
First term: August 17th (Sat) – September 15th (Sun), 2024
Second semester: September 21, 2024 (Sat) – October 20, 2024 (Sun)
*Closed from Monday, September 16th to Friday, September 20th due to exhibition change Admission fee: Free Opening hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed: Mondays

*Business days and times may change. Please check the official website or SNS for the latest information.

■ List of artists scheduled to exhibit

First half : Nanako Ishida/Naoshi Ohno/Kaito Kawasaki/Mariko Kobayashi/Mai Shikama/Hatsune Suzuki/Ryosuke Sakizaki/Akiko Tojo/Hiromi Nakamura/Kyohhei Maeda/Kasuga Mase/Aya Motomura

Later period : Rika Oshima, Shintaro Ogura, Moe Kato, Aimi Saito, Hinata Sugimoto, Yohei Chimura, Eri Nomura, Haruna Horiguchi, Tatsushi Mizushiro, Haruho Mitsuda, Yuya Yasukochi, and RO KIKO

 

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What is Geidai Art Plaza?

The Tokyo University of the Arts (Geidai) has produced many top artists, and the gallery “Geidai Art Plaza” exhibits and sells works by faculty, students, and graduates of the university. It is one of the precious places on the Ueno campus of the university that is open to the public throughout the year. It began operation in 2018 as a collaborative project between Shogakukan and the university.

Currently, exhibitions with different themes are held every one or two months. Each special exhibition features 10 to 50 artists, who bring together works that are expressed using the diverse techniques and approaches unique to Tokyo University of the Arts, including oil painting, Japanese painting, sculpture, crafts, and design.

▼Scenes from the special exhibition “The Art of Tea” to be held in June-July 2024
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/24666/

Inside the store, there is a permanent exhibition corner called “LIFE WITH ART” that focuses on art that fits into daily life, such as tableware and accessories, and a bookshelf that is linked to special exhibitions. During the store’s business hours, you can take a break with a cafe drink from the outdoor food truck “NoM cafe”.

Admission to the Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza is free. Taking photos and sharing them on social media is also welcome. We aim to be a place where anyone, not just art fans, can easily experience art.

 

Geidai Art Plaza Basic Information

■ Access <br />Nearest station: JR Ueno Station (Park Exit) or Uguisudani Station, approx. 10-minute walk; Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Nezu Station, approx. 10-minute walk; Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Ueno Station, approx. 15-minute walk; Keisei Electric Railway, Keisei Ueno Station, approx. 15-minute walk; Toei Bus, Kami26 (Kameido – Ueno Park), Yanaka bus stop, approx. 3-minute walk *Please note that there is no parking lot, so please do not come by car.

■ Official social media accounts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geidai_art_plaza
X: https://twitter.com/artplaza_geidai
Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/2FlkumYv9ScWy69UlBtqWy
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@geidai_art_plaza

■ Exhibition in 2024
January-March 2024 “Geidai Art Plaza Art Award Winners Exhibition”
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/22308/
March-May 2024 “Welcome to the art zoo!”
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/22560/
June-July 2024 “The Art of Tea”
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/23855/

■ Inquiries
 Click here for frequently asked questions
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/qa/

 

[Shogakukan Inc.] Press release

Article provided by: Kokosil Ueno

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"Resol Gallery Ueno" art gallery in the living lobby of the tourist hotel "Hotel Resol Ueno" (Dates: Thursday, August 1, 2024 to Saturday, August 31, 2024, free admission)

Hotel Resol Ueno, a tourist hotel under the Resol Hotels brand operated by Resol Co., Ltd., will hold a special exhibition of five works by artist Yoko Sekine at the art gallery in the living lobby, Resol Gallery Ueno, from August 1, 2024. The event will run from Thursday, August 1st to Saturday, August 31st.

As part of the hotel's efforts to become a part of the Ueno area, where art and the downtown area coexist in harmony, Hotel Resol Ueno has opened an art gallery in the living lobby called "Resol Gallery Ueno," which showcases up-and-coming artists who are promoting the culture of the future. In February of this year, we started an initiative to utilize the space as a place for travelers to meet new people. Since then, it has become a place where not only guests but also the general public can experience the sensibilities and works of up-and-coming artists. It is also enjoyed by people who are not familiar with the subject.

The fourth artist, Hiroko Sekine, completed her master’s degree at the Tokyo University of the Arts Graduate School. In 1988, she exhibited at the National Exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and in 2007, she was recommended as an associate member of the Kokugakai Association. She has gained experience in being recommended as a member of the Kokugakai, and is currently holding solo exhibitions mainly at Ginza Gallery Azuma. Last year, in 2023, she held the "FU-FU Exhibition" with her husband, Koji Ogawa. He is currently actively working as a lecturer at Yokohama Seifu High School.

The works on display this time include "Rendezvous I" and "Rendezvous II" (2022), which are two pieces that form one painting, "Summer Bouquet" (2023), "Flower Camellia" (2023), and "Red – "Hydrangea" (2023) and other works feature striking, colorful flowers.

At Risol Hotels, we will continue to weave irreplaceable travel stories through hotel operations that thoroughly meet the needs of all travelers (tourists).

Event Overview｜
Date: August 1st (Thursday) – August 31st (Saturday), 2024
Artist: Yoko Sekine
Admission fee: Free *People other than hotel guests are welcome to drop by.
Opening hours: [Hotel guests] Open 24 hours. / [Non-hotel guests] 10:00-20:00

Exhibited works:

"Rendezvous I" (left)
"Rendezvous II" (right)
(2022 Oil on cotton panel, 1260 x 297 cm)
A series of works. Even when we meet, our eyes somehow don't meet.
But I know the feeling

"Summer Bouquet"
(2023 Oil on cotton panel F4)
Girl with a bouquet of summer flowers

"Flower: Camellia"
(2023 Oil on cotton panel F3)
Arranging white camellias among Japanese motifs

" Vermilion Hydrangea"
(2023 Oil on cotton panel F3)
Contrasting blue hydrangeas on a vermilion background

Profile: Hiroko Sekine
1986 Graduated from the Department of Painting, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts
1988 Completed master's program at Tokyo University of the Arts, Graduate School of Fine Arts
1988 Exhibited at the National Exhibition (Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Ueno, Tokyo)
2007 Recommended as an associate member of the Kokugakai
2012 Recommended as a member of the Kokugakai

Solo Exhibitions
1988 Solo Exhibition (Gallery Hinoki, Ginza, Tokyo)
1990 Solo Exhibition (Ginza Surugadai Gallery, Ginza, Tokyo)
1992 Solo Exhibition (Ginza Surugadai Gallery, Ginza, Tokyo)
2010 Solo Exhibition (AC Gallery)
2018 Solo Exhibition (Ginza Gallery Azuma, Ginza, Tokyo)
2021 Solo Exhibition (Ginza Gallery Azuma, Ginza, Tokyo)

Group Exhibition
2011 Bijusaikai (Ichibata Department Store, Matsue)
National Painting Women's Exhibition (Ginza Surugadai Gallery, Ginza, Tokyo) until 2023
2013 Kokugakai New Members Exhibition (Ginza Inoue Gallery, Ginza, Tokyo)
2019 Koji Ogawa and Yoko Sekine Two-person Exhibition (Gallery Pictor, Kamakura, Kanagawa)
2020 HOPE Exhibition (Gallery Pictor, Kamakura, Kanagawa)
2021 Amusement Exhibition, scheduled to be exhibited until 2025 (Ginza Gallery Himawari, Ginza, Tokyo)
2023 FU-FU Exhibition Koji Ogawa x Yoko Sekine (Ginza Gallery Azuma, Ginza, Tokyo)
Currently a member of the Kokugakai and a lecturer at Yokohama Seifu High School.

About "Resol Gallery Ueno"
Resol Gallery Ueno, an art gallery located in the living lobby of Hotel Resol Ueno, exhibits a variety of art by up-and-coming artists that embody their passion and skills.
The artistic experience unique to Ueno, a city of academia, offers travelers a spice that is different from a simple hotel stay.
The gallery alternates between special and permanent exhibitions every other month, providing new discoveries and opportunities for growth every time you visit.

[About the special exhibition]
"Resol Gallery Ueno" provides a free gallery space for up-and-coming artists to exhibit their work.
"Works that evoke images of travel, travelers, or travel destinations," "Works that evoke images of downtown culture, customs, and history," "Works that exude an academic atmosphere," "Works that soothe the viewer's soul and inspire new discoveries," etc. We will create opportunities for customers to encounter a variety of works.

<Contact information for those interested in exhibiting>
Tel: 03-5325-9269 (Contact: Ito)
Email: ka.ito@resol.jp

[About the permanent exhibition]

(From left)
The Sun and the Moon (2020, Keita Shimizu, acrylic paint on wooden panel, set of 2)
Panda (2020 Masaru Ishikawa and Keita Shimizu, acrylic paint on resin figure)
EDO, rotated 90° (2020 Keita Shimizu, printed on canvas)
Ueno (2020 Keita Shimizu, acrylic paint on wooden panel)

Profile: Keita Shimizu
Designer, design consultant
Born in Tokyo in 1974.
After graduating from the Master's program at the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts, he began working as a designer based in Milan.
His inclusive designs, born from the global values he developed during his childhood in the United States and his life as a designer in Italy, have been highly praised both at home and abroad. He also handles concept development and corporate design for companies.

Overview of "Hotel Resol Ueno"
◇Location: 7-2-9 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Access: 1 minute walk from JR Ueno Station, Asakusa Exit or Iriya Exit
◇Structure: Steel frame [10 floors above ground]
◇Number of rooms: 115 rooms [107 Modernettes (semi-double) / 8 Twin rooms]
◇Official website: https://www.resol-hotel.jp/ueno/

[Resol Co., Ltd.] Press release

Article provided by: Kokosil Ueno

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Ueno Royal Museum

It has been decided that the traveling exhibition “The Great Van Gogh Exhibition” (sponsored by Sankei Shimbun and others), which brings together masterpieces by the painter Vincent van Gogh (1853-90), will be held at the Ueno Royal Museum in Taito Ward, Tokyo. Masterpieces from the Kröller-Muller Museum in the Netherlands, which boasts one of the world’s leading collections of Van Gogh’s works, will be exhibited in two parts.
【Official website】 https://grand-van-gogh.com/

 

This exhibition will travel in two parts, starting in Kobe and then Fukushima and Tokyo. It was planned as a project to mark the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in Kobe and the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake in Fukushima.

The highlight of the first period is “Café Terrace at Night,” which will be shown in Japan for the first time in about 20 years. In addition, about 60 works by Van Gogh, including “Self-Portrait,” from his early Dutch period to his time in Arles, when he produced many masterpieces, will be on display, as well as masterpieces by contemporary Impressionist masters such as Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir from the museum’s collection.
The highlight of the second phase, showcasing his career from his time in Arles to his later years, is The Drawbridge at Arles, known as a Dutch treasure, which will tour to Tokyo in 2027.

“Café terrace at night”
This masterpiece depicts a cafe terrace in a square in the southern French city of Arles. The vivid contrast between the evening darkness and the cafe lights is stunning, with flat colors and dynamic brushstrokes.

The Drawbridge at Arles
Along with “Café Terrace at Night,” this is one of Vincent Van Gogh’s greatest masterpieces. It is considered a national treasure of the Netherlands and is rarely loaned outside the country, so this is the first time it has been shown in Japan in about 70 years. The impressive blue of the sky and water demonstrates Vincent Van Gogh’s skilled technique.

■Kröller-Muller Museum This museum is located in De Hoge Veluwe National Park in the province of Gelderland in the Netherlands. It houses and exhibits one of the world’s greatest collections of Van Gogh’s works, including approximately 90 oil paintings and 180 drawings.

■ “The Great Van Gogh Exhibition” Tokyo Venue Overview Venue: Ueno Royal Museum (1-2 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
Period: 1st period/May 29, 2026 (Friday) to August 12, 2026 (Wednesday)
Second period: October 2027 to January 2028 (to be announced after the period is finalized)
Organized by: Sankei Shimbun, TBS, TBS Gloudia, Hakuhodo DY Media Partners, The Ueno Royal Museum

Tour Information 1st Period Kobe Venue: Kobe City Museum September 20, 2025 (Sat) – February 1, 2026 (Sun)
Fukushima Venue: Fukushima Prefectural Museum of Art February 21st (Sat) – May 10th (Sun), 2026

Second Kobe venue: Kobe City Museum February to May 2027 (to be announced once the event is confirmed)
Fukushima Venue: Fukushima Prefectural Museum of Art June 19th (Sat) – September 26th (Sun) 2027

 

[Sankei Shimbun] Press release

Article provided by: Kokosil Ueno

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National Museum of Nature and Science

The National Museum of Nature and Science will hold a special exhibition “Alpine Plants – The Diversity of Unreachable Flowers and the Connection of Life” from Tuesday, July 30th to Monday, November 4th, 2024 (holiday), as detailed below.
[Detailed URL: https://www.kahaku.go.jp/event/2024/07alpineplants/ ]

The diverse forms and ecology of alpine plants that adorn the mountains in summer, as well as their connections with other living things, are introduced through numerous specimens and other materials, along with scientific knowledge. The museum also explains the current critical situation of alpine plants and conservation efforts. Learn about the diversity of alpine plants and experience their charm through powerful images and a immersive exhibition hall.

Event summary

Special exhibition “Alpine plants – the diversity of unattainable flowers and the connections between life”

[Location] National Museum of Nature and Science (Ueno Park, Tokyo)
Japan Pavilion 1st floor Special Exhibition Room and Central Hall (until September 1st)

[Event period] July 30th (Tuesday) to November 4th (Monday, closed), 2024 (Reiwa 6)

[Opening hours] 9:00-17:00 * Until 18:00 from August 10th (Sat) to August 15th (Thu) * Admission is available until 30 minutes before each closing time

[Closed] Mondays (Tuesdays if Monday is a public holiday)
*However, the museum will be open on August 5th (Monday), 13th (Tuesday), 19th (Monday), 26th (Monday), and October 7th (Monday).

[Admission fee] Adults and university students: 630 yen (510 yen for groups), high school students and younger and those aged 65 and older: Free *This exhibition can be viewed with the admission fee for the permanent exhibition only *Groups of 20 or more people *For details on admission, please see our website
https://www.kahaku.go.jp/

[Organizer] National Museum of Nature and Science [Sponsor] Montbell [Cooperation] Iwate University Faculty of Agriculture Agricultural Education Museum, Ministry of the Environment, Omachi City Mountain Museum, Sugawa Chonosuke Memorial Association, Nagano Prefecture Environmental Conservation Research Institute, Japan Association of Botanical Gardens, Hakubakan, Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden, Hokkaido University Botanical Garden and Museum, Hokkaido University Archives, Postal Museum

 

・Exhibition introduction

Chapter 1: What are alpine plants? <br />First, we will introduce the characteristics of alpine plants, including their morphology and ecology. Plants that live in harsh alpine environments have developed a variety of survival strategies to adapt to the environment. Furthermore, alpine plants occupy an important position in the alpine ecosystem and live in close association with other organisms, and we will introduce some examples of this.

Chapter 2: The diversity of Japan’s alpine plants <br />The Japanese archipelago is long from north to south and is very undulating. It has climates ranging from subtropical to subarctic, and is home to a truly diverse range of plants. In particular, from central Honshu to Hokkaido, areas where alpine plants grow are scattered like islands. Furthermore, in areas with special geology, there are many endemic species that grow only in certain places, further enriching the diversity of Japan’s alpine plants.

Chapter 3: Research on Alpine Plants <br />This chapter introduces research on alpine plants, focusing on people involved in early research in Japan and representative mountain regions. Please look at valuable specimens, documents, photographs, etc. Furthermore, as research into the diversity of alpine plants has made great progress in recent years, this chapter will also introduce the results of that research and new initiatives.

Chapter 4: The current state of alpine plants and efforts to protect their diversity <br />The wonderful diversity of alpine plants is in grave danger. Changes are already occurring in alpine vegetation due to the effects of climate change. Many flower fields have disappeared due to damage caused by deer. In response to this situation, attempts are being made to protect and restore vegetation in native habitats. Additionally, at places such as Tsukuba Botanical Garden, conservation efforts are being made outside of their native habitat, focusing on endangered species.

Chapter 5 How to Enjoy Alpine Plants <br />After learning about alpine plants through this exhibition, be sure to go out and observe them. We will introduce some recommended spots in Japan where you can observe alpine plants. Also, if you travel overseas, you can enjoy fantastical alpine plants that cannot be seen in Japan. We will also introduce things to keep in mind when observing plants. Enjoy alpine plants from various angles.

 

・Exhibition Supervisor

Plant Diversity Analysis and Conservation Group, Plant Research Department, Research Director
Yoshinori Murai

His fields of expertise are plant science, chemical ecology, and environmental adaptability. He mainly studies alpine plants, focusing on the diversity and functions of their chemical components, as well as their environmental adaptability mechanisms. He also serves as collection manager for the Specimen Resource Center, and cultivates over 100 species of alpine plants he has collected at the Tsukuba Botanical Garden, while also working on ex situ conservation, such as developing methods for cultivating and propagating endangered species.

 

[Agency for Cultural Affairs] Press Release

Article provided by: Kokosil Ueno

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National Museum of Nature and Science

The National Museum of Nature and Science will be holding a KAHKA NEWS exhibition, “Marimo in our homes!? – An investigation into marimo found in household aquariums,” from Wednesday, July 17th to Sunday, September 1st, 2024.

The press release issued by the museum on March 27th of this year, “Motosumarimimo found again, growing only in aquariums in private homes,” was widely covered by many media outlets. The museum’s researchers called for information on similar cases through newspapers and television coverage, which also received a great response, and information was sent to the museum from all over Japan, and actual samples that appeared to be “Marimo” were also sent. Analysis revealed that these samples contained not only Motosumarimimo, but all Marimo species known in Japan (5 taxonomic groups), and various new knowledge was gained. In addition to displaying the aquariums, the museum will introduce the Marimo species, display a list of photos of aquariums where Marimo were found from all over the country, and introduce the research on Marimo that the museum’s researchers have conducted at the Fuji Five Lakes.

[Event period] Wednesday, July 17th to Sunday, September 1st, 2024
[Venue] National Museum of Nature and Science (7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo) 1st floor open space in the Global Gallery [Organizer] National Museum of Nature and Science

 

Exhibition Overview

The exhibition consists of three zones:

① Marimo’s friends <br />In this survey, we found all of the Marimo’s friends (5 taxonomic groups) that have been known in Japan until now. We will introduce their characteristics with illustrations.

② Scenery with Marimo <br />After the second case of Motosu Marimo was found this year, the museum called on various media for information about marimo in aquariums, and received 46 pieces of information. Of these, 26 people sent samples, which were examined by the museum, and it was found that all five groups of marimo had been found in home aquariums. Until the beginning of this year, there had only been two reported cases in Japan, but in less than three months, over 20 cases have been reported. Many new findings have also been obtained, such as the discovery of Tateyama Marimo, which is thought to have originated from a spring-fed area in Tokyo.

③ Marimo research at our museum <br />Our museum’s research into marimo began in 1956 (Showa 31) when Yoshinari Kameda, a third-grader at the time, collected and cultivated marimo from Yamanakako Village, which were then brought to our museum 50 years later. This story was published in a picture book titled “Marimo of Mt. Fuji” (Fukuinkan Shoten). This prompted a joint academic research into marimo in Lake Yamanaka between our museum and the Yamanakako Village Board of Education in 2013. Following the discovery of Motosu Marimo in Kofu in 2022, Kawasaki in 2024, and this time in the aquarium, we have now begun research into the entire Fuji Five Lakes region, as well as river research in the Kanto area.

【Related information】 press release Motosu Marimo was found again, only growing in an aquarium in a private home (March 27, 2024) https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000746.000047048.html press release A third species of marimo has been discovered in Japan! It has been named Motosu Marimo (November 10, 2022) https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000523.000047048.html press release Publication of “Marimo of Lake Yamanaka (Report on the Survey of Fuji Marimo Habitat in Lake Yamanaka Village)” – Lake Yamanaka’s Marimo once again show a declining trend – is global warming the cause? – (March 31, 2021) https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000232.000047048.html Homepage: The world of small things https://www.kahaku.go.jp/research/db/botany/microalgae/microalgal_kids/

 

[Agency for Cultural Affairs] Press Release

Article provided by: Kokosil Ueno

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Tokyo National Museum

 

The Tokyo National Museum (hereafter referred to as “Tokyo National Museum”) is a temple of Japanese beauty, boasting a vast collection of approximately 120,000 items, including 89 national treasures, and the building itself is designated as an Important Cultural Property. Although the Tokyo National Museum usually has a solemn atmosphere , approximately 20 giant dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus and Giganotosaurus, will appear in the courtyard in front of the main building! The unexpected event “Dinosaur Night Parade” , in which the dinosaurs will make a night parade while letting out primitive roars, will be held for two days on Friday, September 27th and Saturday, September 28th, 2024.

I attended the press conference held prior to the event.

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“Dinosaur Night Parade” is a night event organized by “DINO-A-LIVE,” an experiential dinosaur live show project featuring “DINO-TECHNE,” a dinosaur-shaped mechanical suit developed by ON-ART Co., Ltd.

■Introduction video for “DINO-A-LIVE”

“If dinosaurs were alive, if they were resurrected in the present day, how would we feel about them?” – “DINO-A-LIVE” was born from such a simple question. It is a project that started in 2011 to deliver a sense of wonder that can only be created by witnessing and experiencing “living beings” with your own eyes, not through words, information, or knowledge.

The main attraction, the self-walking dinosaur-shaped mechanical suit “DINO-TECHNE”, was developed by ON-ART using the technology it has cultivated in the production of special artworks and realistic balloons, in order to realize a realistic dinosaur live show unlike any other in the world. (Currently patented in 14 countries around the world)

“Our dinosaurs are brought to life as if they were alive. We have created them as if we were putting our souls into them,” says Kaya Kanamaru, CEO of ON-ART.

The aim of the live show is to provide edutainment (a portmanteau of education and entertainment) that allows visitors to have fun while learning about the natural environment and the world of living creatures. Although no one has ever seen a real dinosaur, they have repeatedly improved the sculptures by incorporating the latest theories and opinions of experts, and are extremely particular about reproducing every aspect of the dinosaurs, including their skeletons, skin, and joint movements. In addition, they synthesize dozens of biological sounds for each species using sampled sounds such as the cries of living animals. They express the “dinosaur sounds” by synchronizing them in real time with the dinosaurs’ movements.

The lively dinosaurs, so lifelike that it’s hard to believe they are being controlled by humans, stalk before your eyes, wagging their tails and screaming, sometimes even baring their fangs at the audience. The dynamic and lively “DINO-A-LIVE” has been so popular in recent years that it has successfully completed an arena tour in five major cities in Japan, and has also been in the spotlight overseas, having been invited to the Royal Opening Ceremony of the Royal Museum in Kuwait and to a popular Italian TV show.

Some may wonder, “Wouldn’t a dinosaur event be more appropriate to hold at the National Museum of Nature and Science next door?”

In fact, the Tokyo National Museum is holding an exhibition entitled “National Treasures 150 Years from Now” in 2022-23 to commemorate its 150th anniversary, and the dinosaurs from “DINO-A-LIVE” participated in the corporate section as candidates for national treasures 150 years from now. Through this connection, Kanamaru and his team were appointed as “Tokyo National Museum Ambassadors.” The ambassador project “Dinosaur Night Parade” was planned to spread the greatness of Japan’s manufacturing spirit and to raise interest in the Tokyo National Museum, which is a collection of the best of manufacturing culture.

“The Great Dinosaur Night Parade” is inspired by the “Night Parade of One Hundred Demons,” a grand procession of monsters and demons that has been depicted in Japanese picture scrolls and letters since ancient times. This will be the project’s first outdoor event.

Kanemaru said, “The idea is to have the dinosaurs have a big parade every night in the courtyard in front of the main building,” and explained the concept as follows:

“There is a huge lily tree in the courtyard. It is a species that has survived since the age of the dinosaurs without changing its shape much. The tree speaks every night, inviting the dinosaurs to come. The idea is for all the guests to join in and let out a wild roar towards the future together with the dinosaurs! We hope to create a performance that combines the valuable art and culture created by humans with a primitive sensibility.”

The two-day performance will last about an hour each. The first 30 minutes will be spent playing various ethnic instruments, and the last 30 minutes will be a dinosaur parade. About 20 popular dinosaurs representing each era will gather, including 8-meter-long Tyrannosaurus and Giganotosaurus, as well as Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and Allosaurus.

In the second half of the press conference, a Tyrannosaurus and a Giganotosaurus burst in early, creating a frenzy in the venue! They paraded around the venue swinging their long tails, and sometimes even biting the reporters.

Not only was the design amazing, but the movements were so lifelike that when it opened its mouth wide in front of me, I felt a chill as I thought, “I’m going to be eaten!” Even though I knew it wasn’t real. This movement of the heart, which makes you aware of the primitive “will to live” from your senses rather than your head, may be the true joy of “DINO-A-LIVE.”

The Tokyo National Museum Ambassador Project “Dinosaur Night Parade,” where visitors can experience the fusion of the history of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, will be held for two days on Friday, September 27th and Saturday, September 28th, 2024. Depending on the weather, the number of dinosaurs may be limited, the content of the event may be changed, or it may be canceled, so we can only hope that the weather will be good on the day.

Seats and ticket prices will be announced at a later date, so please check the special page for details.

 

Article provided by: Kokosil Ueno

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National Museum of Western Art

The National Museum of Western Art will hold a "Livid Saturday" on Saturday, August 3rd, during which admission to the permanent and special exhibitions will be free, allowing everyone to enjoy the art in their own way, including chatting with others while viewing the works.

■ Purpose of the event
"I feel nervous because I have to be quiet in museums" "It's hard to go to an exhibition with small children"… We want even such customers to be able to enjoy appreciating the artworks at the museum without hesitation. With this in mind, we will be holding "Livid Saturday", a day where you can talk freely about the artworks, further expanding the circle of surprise and joy that comes from appreciating the artworks. On the day, we will also set up a kids' space and a nursing room, and have planned events so that people of all ages can enjoy appreciating the artworks. (There will be no restrictions on conversations between customers on normal opening days.)

Overview
Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024
Venue: National Museum of Western Art (permanent exhibition/special exhibition)
Opening hours: 9:30-20:00
Cost: Free (However, if you use the shop or CAFÉ Suiren, an additional fee will be charged.)
Website: https://www.nmwa.go.jp/jp/experience-learn/detail/event_74.html

[Permanent Exhibition Project]
The permanent exhibition, which displays works that you may have seen before in textbooks such as Monet's "Water Lilies," is holding a "Let's go find this work!" project. Each person will be given a postcard with a cut-out photo of a part of the work attached, allowing you to enjoy art appreciation like a game. You may make a new discovery by paying attention to the details of the work.

[Special Exhibition Planning]
The special exhibition "Naito Collection Manuscripts – A Microcosm of the Elegant Middle Ages" is currently being held. In addition to distributing pamphlets with questions and explanations of the works to help visitors enjoy them more, this year we will be offering a bingo game featuring some of the manuscripts. There are lots of interesting elements in the manuscripts. While appreciating the works, try to find pictures and initials and aim for bingo!

All of these events are enjoyable not only for children, but for people of all ages, both first-time museum visitors and repeat visitors.

■About the National Museum of Western Art
The National Museum of Western Art was established in April 1959 (Showa 34) as an institution to make works of Western art available to the public, based on the Matsukata Collection (including masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Rodin, etc.) donated and returned by the French government. The main building was designed by French architect Le Corbusier (1887-1965) and completed in March 1959 (Showa 34). It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2016.

[Access] Please see our website for details.
https://www.nmwa.go.jp/jp/visit/map.html

(train)
1 minute walk from JR Ueno Station (Park Exit)
7 minutes walk from Keisei Ueno Station on the Keisei Electric Railway
8 minutes walk from Ueno Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Hibiya Line

[Agency for Cultural Affairs] Press Release

Article provided by: Kokosil Ueno

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National Museum of Western Art

The National Museum of Western Art will hold the exhibition "Monet: Water Lilies" from Saturday, October 5, 2024 to Tuesday, February 11, 2025 (national holiday). This time, we will introduce the information about this exhibition announced at the press conference on Wednesday, June 12.

Purpose of the event

Claude Monet (1840-1926) was one of the most representative painters of the Impressionist movement.

Monet's final years were a time when he faced many difficulties, including the death of a beloved family member, his own eye disease, and World War I. However, even in these times, his greatest source of creativity was the water lily pond he created in the garden of his house at Giverny, where the surrounding trees, sky, and light were reflected in its surface.

The idea of a "large decorative painting" in which a huge canvas of this subject would cover the entire wall of a room would remain in Monet's mind until the very end. The focus of this exhibition is on the large-scale "Water Lilies" paintings that were created during this process of trial and error.

This time, about 50 pieces will be coming from the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, including many important works that will be shown in Japan for the first time. In addition, works from collections around Japan will also be added, making this a rare opportunity to see the largest collection of Water Lilies ever in Japan.

Highlights of the Exhibition

1. Monet's final challenge: the ultimate exhibition of Monet, focusing on his later works as a culmination of the "painter of light"

2. The Marmottan Monet Museum, which boasts one of the world's largest collections of Monet paintings, will bring about 50 carefully selected works, including seven works that will be shown in Japan for the first time! In addition, the museum will also have masterpieces from Japan, bringing together a full lineup of Monet masterpieces from Japan and abroad.

3. More than 20 works on Water Lilies, the most important theme of Monet's later years, will be on display

4. A truly immersive experience of being immersed in Monet's world, surrounded by over 2m of large-scale Water Lilies

Exhibited Works

We will introduce some of the works on display in this exhibition.

Claude Monet "Water Lilies, Twilight Effect"

Monet's early "Water Lilies."

It is believed that Monet first painted water lilies in 1897. This work is believed to be one of his earliest "Water Lilies" paintings. In contrast to his later series, this work focuses on the lily flowers themselves, depicted with delicate brushstrokes, rather than the effect of light that paints the water a pale pink.

Claude Monet "Water Lilies, Reflection in the Willows"

Monet, on the verge of going blind, painted this work of thirst for light.

The forked trunk of a weeping willow forms a gentle S-shape in this enormous study, measuring two meters in length and width. The glittering sunlight filtering through the trees, expressed with sharp vertical strokes, seems to convey the artist's thirst for light, at a time when he was in the midst of the fear of going blind due to cataracts.

Claude Monet "Japanese Bridge"

The color and abstraction brought about by an encounter with Ukiyo-e.

The motif of an arched bridge is said to have been inspired by the ukiyo-e prints of Katsushika Hokusai and Kitagawa Utamaro, which Monet collected. In the "Japanese Bridges" series, which he painted towards the end of his life, of which 24 pieces are known today, Monet boldly portrayed this motif with colors and brushstrokes that could almost be called abstract.

Exhibition ambassador Yuriko Ishida will be speaking!

Actor Yuriko Ishida, who has been appointed as the exhibition ambassador, appeared on stage at the press conference held at the Nippon Television Hall on Wednesday, June 12th.

Ishida, who appeared in a lustrous purple outfit reminiscent of Monet's water lilies, is the ambassador for the exhibition, the audio guide, and the theme song for the exhibition. The theme song, "My Monet," is Ishida's first new song in about two years, produced by Ohashi Trio under her artist name "lily."

When asked how she felt when she was appointed as the ambassador for this exhibition, Ishida

"It really felt like a dream come true. I had always dreamed of being an ambassador for a major art exhibition, and to be chosen for an exhibition of my favorite artist, Monet… I couldn't imagine a more wonderful and rewarding job."

He expressed his joy.
When asked about the theme song for this exhibition, for which he wrote the lyrics, Mr. Ishida said:

"I've been doing my music career really quietly. I wanted to remain unknown (laughs). But when I heard about this opportunity, I thought I might never get another chance like this, so I accepted."

", she confessed her thoughts with a bit of embarrassment.

After this, music producer Ohashi Trio gave a surprise comment, which made everyone emotional. We got a glimpse of Ishida's pure, genuine face, which has not changed even as she has gotten older.

When asked about his personal preferences when appreciating paintings, Mr. Ishida said,

"I want to see it based on my senses, without getting too much knowledge. Some people may think that prior knowledge of Monet's paintings is necessary, but I think each person's perspective and way of accepting things are infinitely different. I want people to simply immerse themselves in the art with a clear mind."

I was very impressed by the answer.

Including works from collections in Japan, "Monet: The Water Lilies" traces the rich development of Monet's art, which "transcended Impressionism."
We hope you will enjoy Monet's feast of light and water using your own sensibilities.
The event will begin on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

Event Outline

Article provided by: Kokosil Ueno

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Water Music Hall (Ueno Park Outdoor Stage)

Sponsored by the Taito Arts and Culture Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation, “UENO JAZZ INN’24” will be held on Saturday, August 3rd at the Ueno Onshi Park Outdoor Stage (Water Music Hall).
Tickets will go on general sale at Confetti from 10:00 on Wednesday, June 5th.

General sales start at 10:00 on Wednesday, June 5th at Confetti
http://confetti-web.com/@/taitocity-uenojazz2024
Official website
https://www.taitogeibun.net/our_events/zaidan_event_2024/2024_uenojazz/

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“UENO JAZZ INN’24” will be held on Saturday, August 3rd!
The outdoor jazz concert is coming back to Ueno for the first time in two years!

The venue will be filled with exciting performers, including a collaboration between the currently active and talented musicians Oki Jin and Onuma Yosuke, as well as the professional jazz band GENTLE FOREST JAZZ BAND!
Would you like to join us in making Ueno’s summer even more exciting? Please come along!
Tickets are now on sale!

For an introduction of each performer, please click here
https://www.taitogeibun.net/our_events/zaidan_event_2024/2024_uenojazz/

 

・Performance details
“UENO JAZZ INN’24”
Performance date: Saturday, August 3, 2024
Venue: Ueno Park Outdoor Stage (Water Music Hall)

■ Performers (in no particular order)
Oki Jin x Onuma Yosuke / Otsuki “KALTA” Hidenori Oki Jin (Flamenco guitar) / Onuma Yosuke (Jazz guitar) / Otsuki “KALTA” Hidenori (Drums)

GENTLE FOREST JAZZ BAND
Gentle Kubota (leader, conductor, trb) / Murakami Motoi (tp) / Matsuki Risaburo (tp) / Akatsuka Kenichi (tp) / Sase Yusuke (tp) / Harigae Keita (tb) / Otagaki “OTG” Masanobu (tb) / Takahashi Shintaro (tb) / Ishikawa Tomohisa (btb) / Tada Hirokiyo (as, cl) / Kanno Hiroshi (as, harmonica) / Ouchi Mitsuharu (ts, fl, picc) / Ueno Makoto (ts) / Kojima Yuki (bs) / Umihori Kota (pf) / Kaji Yuta (gt) / Fujino “Digi” Toshio (wb) / Matsushita Masanao (ds)
Gentle Forest Sisters: Yuhi Deguchi / Miho Kimura / Yuzuko Igami

Showa University of Music Lily Jazz Orchestra
2023 54th Yamano Big Band Jazz Contest 1st Place Grand Prize Winner

2023 41st Asakusa JAZZ Contest Grand Prix Session
YOKO SUZUKI QUINTET (Band Division Grand Prize Winner)
KALUAGE (Vocal Division Grand Prize Winner)

■ Performance Schedule
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Doors open at 16:30 / Show starts at 17:00 / Finishes at 20:00 (scheduled)

■Ticket prices: Advance tickets 3,000 yen, same-day tickets 3,500 yen (all unreserved seats, tax included)
Same-day tickets are available for a 500 yen discount if you show your student ID.
Children of elementary school age or younger are admitted free of charge.

 

From the press release of Long Run Planning Co., Ltd.

Article provided by: Kokosil Ueno

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