The 5m high lantern symbolizes the liveliness of festivals

Japan's shimenawa and masks

Once you are in the Museum, we want you to familiarize yourselves more with Japanese culture. The space for Japanese Culture represents the relationship between regional festivals and performing arts. The lifestyles of farming and fishing villages deeply rooted in Japanese topographical conditions are also introduced.

One of the festivals representing Japan is the Neputa in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. The exhibition of a large dedicatory lantern that is paraded through the streets during the festival will leave you a powerful impression.

Masks of “oni” (ogres) and long-nosed “tengu (goblins)” as well as “shimenawa (braided ropes used for religious dedication and ceremonies in Shinto shrines)” from various regions of Japan exhibited therein are notably rich in their diversity. Visitors can appreciate the rich lifestyles and art forms of Japan, inherited from ancient times and continuing to present days.“We want our Museum to be the one sending information and messages to the outside Japan instead of one for just collecting information,” said professor Asakura.

From: Brand-New Osaka vol.1 (2006.11.)