Issue 20, Summer 2010 is a Publication of The Aichi Prefectural Government San Francisco Office

Aichi International Art Festival

The very first Aichi Triennale will begin August 21st and wrapping up on October 31st. The theme for the 2010 Triennale is based on „Arts and Cities.‟ The aim is to create an open platform for artists Pip & Pop 2009 Japan Foundation, Sydney Australia and curators who seek to challenge the http://aichitriennale.jp/en/ ©City of Nagoya idea of arts. So far it has attracted over 100 Keeping the samurai historically accurate international artists, composers, dance Mikawa Fireworks Festival was also a major consideration. The groups, and film directors to the exhibition. commanders and foot-soldiers all act and There will also be a public competition held speak as it was common in 16th century in conjuncture with the main art shows. This Japan. Furthermore all members wear body gives young artists and curators a chance armor that is modeled on the armor actually to contribute in the new Aichi Triennale. used in ancient Japan and largely true to the original armor of the commanders they In recent years Japan‟s contribution to the are portraying. This year for the first time international art scene has been growing. the Samurai Summit, a spinoff of the This year‟s event will provide a visually Cosplay Summit, will be held on Jul 31st stimulating opportunity for anyone and Aug 1st in Nagoya. interested in fine arts and performing art also including traditional and lifestyle Cosplayers Get Ready: Part 2! related arts. Recently there is a growing buzz around the World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya this The Aichi Arts Center, Nagoya City Art ©City of Okazaki, Mikawa summer. To support would be cosplayers a Museum, and the Chojamachi and During the Tokugawa Shogunate a Mikawa number of tour companies have created Nayabashi areas will host the exhibitions firearms master would only pass his trade packages for airfare and accommodations. and artistic displays. 2010 is the inaugural secrets to local apprentices, furthermore With the 2010 World Cosplay Summit just Aichi Triennale, and consecutive festivals restrictions were in place that limited around the corner there is a lot happening will be held every 3 years. production of gunpowder to the Mikawa right now. The US Final Preliminary was area. The legacy left behind today is that held at FanimeCon on May 30th in San Jose, Okazaki City in Mikawa is one of the major CA. The primer finalist received a chance to  To contribute to the world-wide fireworks manufacturing regions of Japan. compete on stage in Nagoya this summer. development of arts and culture by Every year on the first Saturday in August a The Cosplay Summit starts on July 31th. creating and transmitting “new” arts large fireworks festival is held in the area  To familiarize people with culture and surrounding Okazaki Castle. Thousands of arts through education on contemporary fireworks are launched in a two hour long arts show making it is an amazing event for  To boost the region‟s profile by locals and tourist alike. promoting cultural activities Samurai Spirit and Hospitality! The Nagoya Samurai Greeters were created to perform at events as part of the yearlong celebration for the 400 Year Anniversary of the founding of Nagoya City. www.tv-aichi.co.jp/wcs/2010/e/index.php www.destination-japan.com/Tours/tabid/104/agentType The troop consists of six famous historical /View/PropertyID/31/Default.aspx commanders Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Maeda Aichi Prefectural Government Toshiie, Kato Kiyomasa, Maeda Keiji and c/o JETRO San Francisco four Ashigaru (warrior) foot-soldiers. The 201 Third Street, Suite 1010 Yayoi Kusama 2008 Installation Nagoya Samurai Greeters promote the Phone: 415-392-1333 ext. 252 view: LA Villette, Paris region as a tourist destination and entertain Email: [email protected] with sketches, dances, and reenactments Yasunobu Sugimoto during public events. Sean Lampe