Exhibition

Memories of Pyongyang
Photo exhibition by Ciel Liu
FCCJ Main Bar

April 1 - May 5, 2017

Our trip to Pyongyang consisted almost entirely of carefully scheduled activities, with guides that rarely left our side outside of the hotel. Still, it was a rare opportunity to observe the people in this reclusive country and to think about their lives.

The disconnection from the outside world is palpable. In this city, time and space are defined by propaganda-driven activities like visits to monuments and performances. The enormous clockwork mechanism of mass dance practices and labor duties to serve the nation never ceases to spin. It is fascinating, and not a little unsettling.

The city planning is monolithic, with apartment block after apartment block stretching out in an order so neat and structured it continues to haunt the mind. Advertising and other signs of commercial activity are extremely rare. The ever-present contrast between tightly restricted self-expression and an over-enthusiasm to defend government propaganda challenges our concepts of freedom and personal fulfillment. Here, one must at all times be of a single body and mind with the regime.

Fukushima Photographic Journey
Chief organizer: Hitoshi Maruoka
Photography by: Bruce Osborn

Main Bar (Mar. 04 - 31, 2017)

It has been 6 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear accident. You may think that the memories of the disasters are fading, however some feelings and words can only be expressed after a certain amount of time passes.  Many of these people who lost their homes and loves ones, had lives that were tied to the sea.  The same ocean that brought the deadly tsunami has also been a source of blessings for their families. It is an intertwined relationship which they accept both the good and the bad.

For those who were in Fukushima that day, life will never be same.  The nuclear accident that followed made an unimaginable catastrophe even more unbelievable.  People living in 12 affected municipalities were forced to leave homes and evacuate to other areas.  After six years, many of them are still living in temporary housing.  Despite all that has happened, they still cherish their "Furusato" (hometown) and have hope for its future. Like parents and family, a hometown is something we cannot choose by ourselves.

Dojo Giga artwork by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi

Main Bar (Feb. 04 - March. 3, 2017)

Masaaki Hatsumi is the 85 year old (head instructor) of nine Japanese martial traditions dating back over 900 years. His artwork and calligraphy are expressions of the Ninjutsu and martial arts which he teaches. His artwork expresses concepts essential to his dojo. Until now, the paintings in this exhibition have been for the education of his students. This will be the first public showing of this series.

Dr. Hatsumi's career includes work as a professional osteopath, actor in a popular television series, writer of many books on Ninjutsu and Budo, and Chairman of the International Department of the Japan Literary Artists' Club. His Bujinkan Dojo has over 400,000 members training and safe keeping as law enforcement professionals in more than 30 countries. Every year, Dr. Hatsumi receives a number of thank you letters and plaques from presidents, prime ministers and other world leaders.

The Exhibitions Committee

Some Day, Going Back Home -Syrian Refugee Children-
Photo Exhibition by Natsuki Yasuda

Main Bar (Jan. 07 - Feb. 3, 2017)

Photojournalist Natsuki Yasuda is currently documenting the tragic plight of the refugees of the Syrian civil war. Since it began in 2011, the worsening conflict in Syria has forced 9.5 million people - around half the country's population - to leave their homes. Over three million of these displaced people have been forced to leave Syria, including over 600,000 who have sought refuge in Jordan. We can see photographs as windows that open onto the lives of the people there through this exhibition.

Tannery
Photo exhibition by Akihito Yoshida

Main Bar (Dec. 3, 2016 - Jan. 6, 2017)

There is a district called Hazaribagh in Dacca, the capital city of Bangladesh which is known for its densely concentrated oxhide processing factories. 90% of domestic oxhide production comes from this district and is exported to Europe, North American and Asian nations. Japan is the biggest importer of oxhide from Bangladesh, mainly in the form of about 4 million pairs of leather shoes per year. According to the Blacksmith Institute reports, an international environmental watch dog, Hazaribagh is listed as one of the 10 most toxically polluted areas in the world. There are 150 to 200 oxhide factories that have roughly 20,000 workers handling toxic chemicals with barehands and barefeet. There are no safety compliances and regulations. Dumping of unprocessed chemical materials into rivers, disposed hazardous waste and unfiltered incinerators are common sightings. Workers who spend substantial amount of time there have all sorts of physical problems along with a short life expectancy. I headed to Hazaribagh to bare witness the conditions of the workers in oxhide industry.

The People and the Forest
Photo exhibition by Yasuo Ota

Main Bar (Nov. 5 - Dec. 2, 2016)

Man has been hunters and gatherers for the greater part our history. In order to survive and grow, it had been necessary to be at one with nature. Man was just one part of the habitat. He respected and showed gratitude to the trees, rivers and all the living things that made up the forests. However since the Industrial Revolution, we have fallen for the illusion that humans can control nature. Having damaged and destroyed it for our own greed, we have come to a moment when this planet is no longer capable of holding the strains of our devastating activities. As mankind looks for a path to guide us towards the future, we may find clues through looking at the way the people of the forest have coexisted with nature.

TSUKIJI Fish Market
Shun KATO Photo Exhibition
FCCJ Main Bar

Oct. 01 - Nov.04

Even the sun is incapable of withstanding the passage of time, sinking at the end of each day, and likewise, things with character are helpless to resist the passage of years.  The Tsukiji Fish Market is an example of this and despite the various problems involved in its relocation, its existence at its present site is finally drawing to an end after a period of 80 years.  The people who work there are renowned for their high-spirits and energy, imbuing each fleeting moment with a unique charm.  Will the market be able to retain the same atmosphere after moving to its new site in Toyosu?  I believe the ambience of the place is something to be treasured.  Tokyo’s new governor has postponed relocation until after February 2017 and in order to cherish the valuable time that remains, I intend to use my camera to capture every small drama in Tsukiji Market as it occurs.

FantaSea
Photo exhibition by Sachi Murai

Sept. 3 - Sept. 30 Main Bar

Welcome to the world of FantaSea.
An abundance of beautiful colors exist beneath the ocean's surface.
I chose these artworks to introduce the enchanting life found in the oceans of Japan.
The scenery might seem unreal, but they are truthfully there.
The fantastic colorful underwater world is there waiting for you to see.

Our Earth is beautiful.
I believe if more people appreciate the wonders of nature, there will be more smiling faces filling the earth.
I hope you enjoy this promenade through the "FantaSea".

Profile
Sachi Murai was a diving instructor on a small island in Okinawa before turning to photography.
He balances time between photography, writing essays, and talkshows.
Murai's primary goal is to make people happy through his photos.
His images are significant as they are taken at the precise moment when feelings get in sync with the scenery.
Locations vary from underwater to dry land, taking larger than life macros to wide landscapes, as he shuttles from different places around the globe.

HP: http://muraisachi.com/

The Exhibitions Committee

"KAO" Project
Photography exhibition by Shintaro SHIRATORI

Aug. 8 - Sept. 2, 2016  FCCJ Main Bar

Following the ending of World War II, the nation rose from the ashes of a devastating defeat. The Dankai (Baby Boomer) generation contributed greatly to the country's newfound prosperity. They are now in their late 60's and facing the retirement. However, this generation, which produced so many professionals in various fields of the Arts, Science, and Culture, are still taking vital part in our society. I asked myself, "What did these Experts envisage for the hereafter?" and "How are they going to connect hitherto to the hereafter?" As I am also a member of this generation, I wished to photograph them and listen to their visions. Their faces overwhelmingly communicated not only their vitality and fascination, but also their enthusiasm for the future and determination to contribute for the good of the society. I sincerely hope that the messages from the KAO Project will inspire people think more positively.

ON THE WATER
Photo exhibition by RAI SHIZUNO

July 2 - Aug.5  2016 / FCCJ Main Bar

Water is everything; it is where it all starts.

The origin of everything that exists in the world that stretches beneath our feet. Something that is never still, that is forever changing its form. Exhibition features various expressions of nature, along with the rich individuality of human life and the diversity of cultures. Showing beautiful moments and unalterable truths happening in the world. Feel the pulse of the Earth where nature and mankind coexist.

Profile
Rai SHIZUNO - Photographer - CEO of CINEMA CARAVAN

Rai loves to place himself in nature, exploring its essence through photography and communicating with people. His photos are published in various magazines including Wingspan, ANA's inflight magazine, and seen in advertisements for Ron Herman and other clients. Other work includes photographing the 'WAVEMENT'trip on Rokkasho nuclear waste reprocessing plant, documenting the French equestrian theatre, 'Zingaro', and collaborating with the contemporary artist Takashi KURIBAYASHI on the theme of 'Borders' for his 'Yatai Trip' project.

http://www.raishizuno.jp