Man'yo Exhibit - New Leaves from the Man'yoshu: Exhibit of Paintings and Ceramicsby Yasumasa Suzuki and Seiran Suzuki

March 1, 2006-March 31, 2006
Location: Bridge Gallery

The Man'yoshu (Collection of ten thousand leaves), is the oldest existing and one of the most highly revered collections of Japanese poetry. The poems invoke the soul of the people of ancient times and they show their special connection to the things of this world, their beauty and meaning. Some of these poems are attributed to the influences of intercultural exchanges between Korea, China and Japan.

The artists, Yasumasa and Seiran Suzuki have reinterpreted these poems and have created a vast collection of bold and modern Japanese-style artwork that bring the beautiful poems to life. Please come and enjoy this inspiring exhibition. In conjunction with the exhibit, Man'yo books from the Asia Collection of the University of Hawaii at Manoa Library will be displayed in the Bridge Gallery.

The exhibit was originally planned two years ago for March 2005. It was canceled after the Flood Disaster. Thanks to the efforts of the Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu, Center for Japanese Studies, Mr. and Mrs. Suzuki and the Library Exhibits Committee, here in the Spring of 2006, we can enjoy the art works by Mr. and Mrs. Suzuki from Japan and books on Man'yo from Hamilton Library.

Special thanks to Kim Mews (mail room), Lynette Teruya (LIS Asia CollDept intern), and Masashi Shimonao (Japan Collection assistant, LIS student).

In conjunction with this exhibit, the Center for Japanese Studies will offer a seminar at 3:00 pm on March 9 (Room 319, Moore Hall). This will be a rare opportunity to learn about these ancient poems.

Also, there is a mini lecture about the Man'yoshu at 5:00 pm, the Auditorium of the Center for Korean Studies, Friday, March 3 (Girl's Day), followed by the artists' led gallery tour at Hamilton Library (6-7 pm). You will discover the beautiful Man'yo world and close relationships among China, Korea and Japan in the ancient times.

Texts in Old Japanese: Language and Culture - A Man'yoshu Symposium
Professor Alexander Vovin, of the East Asian Languages and Literatures Department, will lead a symposium featuring presentations on Nara-period culture, religion, philology and linguistics that will help us better understand the world in which the Man'yoshu was created.

Date: March 9, 2006
Time: 3:00-5:00
Place: Tokioka Room (Moore 319)

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