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In January 2008, The British Museum
and Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) announced
a 10 year partnership that sees Mitsubishi Corporation sponsoring the permanent
galleries dedicated to Japanese culture in the Museum.
The Mitsubishi Corporation Japanese Galleries,
as the galleries are now known, features objects from the Museum’s extensive
Japanese collection, the most comprehensive in Europe. It includes art objects,
antiquities, and ethnographic and historical items dating from ancient prehistory
to the present day. Through specially chosen items, the exhibit depicts a chronological
story highlighting the continuities of Japanese culture over the centuries, up
to the most recent history. Star objects include an impressive Samurai lord’s
clock, enigmatic haniwa tomb figures, medieval Buddhist statues, Samurai
armor and swords, beautifully crafted contemporary ceramics, and even modern manga.
These objects help to show visitors about the unfolding of Japan’s past.
On Wednesday, February 27, an event to launch the start of this new partnership
was held in the galleries. MC’s Senior Corporate Adviser and former President
and Chairman Mr. Minoru Makihara was present to give a speech on behalf of the
company, and nearly 300 distinguished guests from the worlds of business, politics,
academia and entertainment gathered together to commemorate the partnership and
to appreciate the fine exhibits on display. The event was a true celebration of
Anglo-Japanese relations and underlines the long-standing affection and mutual
appreciation that exists between Japan and the UK.
MC supports a diverse range of environmental, developmental and cultural projects
worldwide and this partnership with the Museum represents a cornerstone of its
commitment around the world. |
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