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Japan's preeminent and oldest arts school, Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year with many noteworthy events.
The university (commonly known as Tokyo Geidai) has departments of music and fine arts, with graduate courses in both fields, and a graduate school of film and new media. It has trained numerous men and women who have made incalculable contributions to the arts of Japan.
On October 4 His Imperial Highness Prince Mikasa presided over the ceremony in celebration of the 120th anniversary. Following an address from university president Ryohei Miyata, messages of congratulations from the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry were read. Sony executive adviser Norio Ohga served as representative of graduates of the university.
In his address, Mr. Ohga stated that social involvement is becoming increasingly important for artists and musicians. He spoke of a need for schools of art to establish departments of economics and law to acquaint students with these fields as they pursue their artistic studies, the better to prepare them to become widely involved participants in the society.
Among the events marking the anniversary that began in April were a musical theater production that blended early twentieth century compositions of classical style Japanese and western music and concerts that featured personal meetings between musicians and local young people. Other events aimed at strengthening cooperative ties with arts schools in other Asian counties through joint concerts and seminars with arts schools of China and Korea. In the field of fine arts, there was an exhibition on Tenshin Okakura, who exerted a major influence on Japan's modern culture. In cinema, the university initiated such new creative activities as a joint film production with Korea's national school of film making.
Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music continues to be the object of high expectations for its vital role in Japan's artistic culture.
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Mr. Ryohei Miyata
(president of the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts & Music) |
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Mr. Norio Ohga
(executive adviser of the Sony Corporation) |
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