On the 23rd of April 2019, the Exhibition 'Beautiful Handicrafts of Tohoku, Japan' was officially opened by Hon. Tshekedi Khama, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, and H. E. Kozo Takeda, Ambassador of Japan to Botswana.
This is an exhibition planned to mark the March 11 anniversary of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami. The Tohoku region, the north eastern part of Japan, 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, and manufacturing and handicraft culture were hard hit.
Nonetheless, people in local areas affected by the disaster, have been working closely together 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.
It is one of the traveling exhibitions co-organized by the Japan Foundation and Japan's diplomatic missions abroad, with the cooperation of the art galleries, museums and cultural organizations in each country. We very much appreciate the support of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport & Culture Development for this important event.
The exhibition is open to the public until May 26th, 2019 at the Botswana National Museum. It opens every day and entrance is free.