PR88107

NAHA, Japan, Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

-The Agency for Cultural Affairs presents "CULTURE GATE to JAPAN"

On February 13, 2021, The Agency for Cultural Affairs opened a new art exhibit

at Naha Airport as part of their "CULTURE GATE to JAPAN" initiative. Visual

artist/programmer HIGA Satoru and animator/illustrator nuQ created works based

on the motif of the Ryukyu Kingdom. These works are exhibited at the airport as

well as on the web, with the aim of promoting the appeals of Japanese culture

and sharing it with the world.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1439066/image1.jpg

<Naha Airport Event Outline>

Located in Japan's subtropical resort area of Okinawa, the theme of the

exhibition at Naha Airport is "MEMORY". Two artists have created stunning

visual works that connect the memories of the island's historic Ryukyu Kingdom,

drenched in sunlight and color, with the modern world.

For the 450 years between 1429 and 1879, a country known as the Ryukyu Kingdom

developed its highly unique culture through extensive interaction with China,

Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Traces of this historical kingdom remain to

this day, glimpsed through Okinawa's historical sites, which reflect

distinctive perspectives on nature, and richly colored handicrafts—Bingata dyed

cloth being among the most recognizable ones.

One of the artists involved in the exhibit is HIGA Satoru, a visual artist from

Okinawa who makes expert use of sophisticated programming techniques. HIGA has

represented the history and spirit of the Ryukyu Kingdom on a digital platform

with a 3D model of Shuri Castle (Shurijo), an icon of Ryukyu history that was

largely destroyed by fire in 2019.

The other artist, nuQ, is an animator known for her pop-art colors and retro

aesthetic. She has created a mural that brings together the history of the

Ryukyu Kingdom with Okinawa's modern role as a tourist destination.

-Period: Exhibits open on February 13, 2021

-Location: Naha Airport

  Work by HIGA Satoru: International Terminal Area, Fukugi Hall, Floor 3

  Work by NuQ: Domestic Terminal Area, Departures Security Checkpoint C, Floor 2

  *Works will be exhibited at the above location until March 9. On March 13,

the works will be moved to the International Terminal Departures Lobby, Floor 2.

-Entrance fee: Free

-Theme: MEMORY Connecting remembrances of the Ryukyu Kingdom with the modern

world

-Title: Portrait, Landscape  HIGA Satoru

           Past and Present Chanpuru Hospitality nuQ

-Artist:

Visual Artist, Programmer HIGA Satoru

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1438190/image2.jpg

Born in Okinawa Prefecture in 1983, HIGA Satoru is a visual artist and

programmer who uses computers as a tool to create new forms of expression.

Leveraging sophisticated programming techniques such as real-time 3D graphics

and computer vision as well as his experience with a diverse array of projects,

HIGA has been involved in a wide range of creative activities that include

installations, stage direction, VJing, live performances, and virtual reality

products. After founding Backspace Productions Inc. in 2019, he recently

directed the 3D video concert footage for musician Millennium Parade, as well

as the footage for PUNPEE's latest concert, "Sofa Kingdomcome".

Animator, Illustrator nuQ

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1438191/image3.jpg

nuQ is an animator who creates fresh expressions with a comical pop

sensibility. Specializing in eccentric color schemes and dynamic movement, she

is active in a wide variety of media forms that include television commercials,

music videos, illustrations, and more. She is the winner of several awards,

among them the Grand Prize at the 18th Campus Genius Contest and Jury Selection

in the Animation Division at the 16th Japan Media Arts Festival for New Tokyo

Ondo, plus Jury Selection in the Animation Division at the 23rd Japan Media

Arts Festival for The Last Episode. Her key projects in recent years include

the "Three Mystic Apes" music video for Wednesday Campanella and the

HIBERNATION 1: Healing Spring A Film & Moving Image Festival The Latest in

Independent Animation exhibit at the Towada Art Center.

<About CULTURE GATE to JAPAN>

Beginning in February of 2021, the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of

Japan will launch an innovative cultural promotion project called "CULTURE GATE

to JAPAN". Held at seven airports across Japan as well as the Tokyo

International Cruise Terminal, artists and creators active in the field of

Media Arts will exhibit artworks inspired by the unique culture of each area

with the goal of communicating the broader appeal of Japanese culture.

The global effects of the novel coronavirus have made it difficult to meet new

people and experience new cultures in person.  However, that should not

interrupt the exchange of art, ideas, and culture. Through this project, we

hope to continue providing people around the world with the same sense of

wonder and joy felt when encountering a new culture.  

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1439069/image4.jpg

Organizer: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan            

Official Website: https://culture-gate.jp/

Exhibit at Naha Airport&#65306;https://culture-gate.jp/exhibition/memory

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The "CULTURE GATE to JAPAN" PR is managed by wondertrunk & co. Inc.

SOURCE Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan CULTURE GATE to JAPAN

Initiative

Image Attachments Links:

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=384548

   Caption: ‘Portrait, Landscape’ by HIGA Satoru / ‘Past and Present Chanpuru Hospitality’

by nuQ

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=384550

   Caption: Visual Artist, Programmer HIGA Satoru

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=384552

   Caption: Animator, Illustrator nuQ

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=384553

   Caption: Scan here for more information about the exhibit at Naha Airport