Art News

Canada’s Museum of Civilization explores the roots of contemporary Japanese innovation

GATINEAU, QUEBEC.- The fashion trends, cinematic and literary styles, and technological wizardry that have put Japan on the cutting edge of contemporary global culture are vibrantly revealed in JAPAN: Tradition. Innovation. at the Canadian Museum of Civilization through October 10, 2011. Revolutionary robotics, fuel-efficient cars and cultural expressions like anime productions and contemporary comic books (manga) are synonymous with modern Japan. JAPAN: Tradition. Innovation. is a major exhibition that juxtaposes these iconic objects from the contemporary era with historical artifacts from the Edo Period (1603—1867) that provided inspiration for the current wave of Japanese innovation. “There are striking similarities between contemporary Japan and Edo Period Japan,” said Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. “Both are