Images of Ancient Clay Figures @Museum of🎨Modern Art & visit Yasukuni🌸Shrine!

Currently, two very important & exciting exhibitions are being held in Tokyo!
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The first is a major exhibition of "HANIWA", at the National Museum of History in Ueno Park, plus this marvelous showing of modern artworks, (from the Meiji-Era to the present) at MOMA, which either display, or draw inspiration from superb & mysterious ancient pottery figures dating from the Jomon, Yayoi and Kofun Eras, which were created by unknown artisans from 10,000 to 1,300 years ago!
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The exhibition we'll see during this Meetup is,
"Modern Images of Ancient Clay Figures at National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo" https://www.momat.go.jp/

"The image of Haniwa and Dogu excavated from ancient strata has permeated modern Japan & have become established characters. Unearthed artifacts have generated cultural phenomena in various fields, ranging from arts & crafts to architecture, photography, film, theater, literature, performing arts & even educational programs."
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"The postwar episodes of Okamoto Taro & Isamu Noguchi “discovering” the aesthetic value of excavated objects, previously treated only as archaeological materials, is now a legend."
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"Why did unearthed objects attract attention only during a certain period of time? How did the evaluation of them spread? Why were artists so passionate about unearthed artifacts? With a focus on art, this exhibition is a double treat, as you will be able to see behind the Haniwa & Dogu fads while appreciating works of art, from archaeological illustrations to manga!"
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A major feature of this exhibition is the wide range of periods and genres addressed. It covers everything from sketches of excavated artifacts from the Meiji period (1868–1912)
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(Adults ¥1,800, University students ¥1,200, High S: ¥700)
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Since many Haniwa were created in the form of armored warriors, the elite rulers in those days & were crafted to decorate or guard their great, "Kofun" tombs which once dominated the landscape & often depict horses, ships, weapons & other aspects of the ancient power-elite, some of the artworks from the mid-20th century were used as a form of war propaganda, as you will see!
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Since the museum is not far from, "Yasukuni-jinja", the majestic, but controversial National Shinto shrine created by Emperor Meiji to honor countless, "Heroes of the Nation", (which has its own collection of superb sculptures & artwork immortalizing Japanese warriors), I thought it would be interesting to combine our museum viewing with a walk through a lovely, forested part of the Imperial Palace, once, "Edo-jo", the greatest castle of the Tokugawa Shoguns.
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It's also quite near the date when we might also remember the tragic Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in early December, 1941!
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Yasukuni-jinja is a very large & beautiful shrine, with many wonderful artistic features, including gigantic steel torii arches, the "Sakura 🌸Garden" prefectural monuments & many impressive statues, so let's put politics aside & explore it with an open mind!
https://www.yasukuni.or.jp/english/
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There is an excellent cafe, plus various rest areas on the grounds where refreshments can be had, but please plan to bring your lunch, or snacks & a beverage, so we can take a meal break in the palace gardens, then focus on discovering the pleasures & treasures of Yasukuni!
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(NOTE: "The Yushukan" is the Yasukuni Museum, which features an impressive collection focusing on Japanese warriors, weapons & historical materials, some of which are quite controversial. We're not planning to visit, except to peek inside the free areas, but if you can afford the time & the admission fee, the Yushukan is highly recommended!
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AFTER touring Yasukuni, we might take a walk along the Kanda River to Canal Cafe in Iidabashi to relax and socialize by the riverside!
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(NOTE: This will be a shorter Meetup than some of our events, so you will have the rest of the day for your own activities.)
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Our Meetups are family-friendly, so well-behaved kids are welcome!
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We work hard to plan interesting & unique meetups for you, so please be generous with contributions of between ¥500-¥5000!
(As much as you can afford, because we truly appreciate you joining!)
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>>PLEASE INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN OUR MEETUP GROUP!<<
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THIS MEETUP WILL BE FUN, SO LET'S ALL GO! ~ KERRY D. 😎