Update from JICC
2025/5/28
The latest exhibition at the Embassy opens on Monday 2 June. "When the East Wind Blows - Six Encounters with Japanese Woodblock Printmaking" showcases six artists influenced by the splendour of Japanese woodblock printmaking (mokuhanga): Prudence Ainslie, Sara Lee, Paul Furneaux RSA, Rebecca Salter PRA, Nana Shiomi and Katsutoshi Yuasa. Each artist reveals their journey in this exhibition of fine art prints that offers a unique and contemporary rendering of ukiyo-e, the traditional method of printmaking dating from the Edo Period (1615-1868) in Japan. Check the Embassy's website for more information in due course.
From 1 May, the British Museum opened their new exhibition on one of Japan’s most renowned ukiyo-e artists - "Hiroshige: The Artist and the Open Road". Ambassador Suzuki attended the opening and in his remarks, he noted that Hiroshige’s distinctive style, charactarised by the bold use of perspective and vivid colors exemplified by the so-called “Hiroshige blue”, had an influence on Western art through Japonisme, while also pointing out that some of these stylistic elements have roots in European traditions. Find out more about the exhibition here.
For the latest Japan-related events happening around the country, make sure to check our Japan-UK Events Calendar regularly for updates! Listings for the month ahead can be found here.
From 1 May, the British Museum opened their new exhibition on one of Japan’s most renowned ukiyo-e artists - "Hiroshige: The Artist and the Open Road". Ambassador Suzuki attended the opening and in his remarks, he noted that Hiroshige’s distinctive style, charactarised by the bold use of perspective and vivid colors exemplified by the so-called “Hiroshige blue”, had an influence on Western art through Japonisme, while also pointing out that some of these stylistic elements have roots in European traditions. Find out more about the exhibition here.
For the latest Japan-related events happening around the country, make sure to check our Japan-UK Events Calendar regularly for updates! Listings for the month ahead can be found here.
Ambassador Suzuki's Activities
At the begining of the month on 6 May, Ambassador Suzuki visited Rhodes House at the University of Oxford to attend the Kyoto Prize at Oxford event. The Kyoto Prize was established by the Inamori Foundation in 1985 and, since 2017, the Kyoto Prize Laureates have been invited to attend a series of lectures and panel discussions at the University of Oxford.Ambassador Suzuki’s attendance at the Kyoto Prize at Oxford. Read more here.
On 14 May, Ambassador Suzuki attended a reception hosted by the British-Japanese Parliamentary Group (BJPG) in Westminster, highlighting the partnership between Osaka City and Greater Manchester. The event celebrated the upcoming participation of Mayor Andy Burnham at Expo 2025 in Osaka next month.Ambassador Suzuki’s attendance at a reception hosted by the British-Japanese Parliamentary Group (BJPG). Read more here.
On 15 and 16 May, Ambassador Suzuki traveled to the North East, where he spoke with Mayor Kim McGuiness, visited factories of Japanese companies, and held discussions with the local Japanese community.Ambassador Suzuki’s Visit to the North East. Read about the visit in full here.
In May, Ambassador also had meetings with several senior government officials including Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at FCDO, Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
On 14 May, Ambassador Suzuki attended a reception hosted by the British-Japanese Parliamentary Group (BJPG) in Westminster, highlighting the partnership between Osaka City and Greater Manchester. The event celebrated the upcoming participation of Mayor Andy Burnham at Expo 2025 in Osaka next month.Ambassador Suzuki’s attendance at a reception hosted by the British-Japanese Parliamentary Group (BJPG). Read more here.
On 15 and 16 May, Ambassador Suzuki traveled to the North East, where he spoke with Mayor Kim McGuiness, visited factories of Japanese companies, and held discussions with the local Japanese community.Ambassador Suzuki’s Visit to the North East. Read about the visit in full here.
In May, Ambassador also had meetings with several senior government officials including Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at FCDO, Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.