May 09, 2023
Seiko Group Corporation
Seiko Group Corporation (Chairman & Group CEO, CCO: Shinji Hattori; head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan; hereafter, "Seiko") is launching its new Time and Japanese Culture Project, an initiative to promote the appeal of Japanese culture and to allow more people experience it.
Traditional Japanese culture finds inspiration in the passage of time, in the ever-changing seasons, and in all the wonders of Nature. Throughout the ages, Japanese artisans have used a range of artistic techniques to express this beauty, richness, and sense of transience.
Seiko has always revered Japan’s special aesthetic sense, and has infused it into the design of its signature products, such as luxury watches. With this vision in mind, Seiko has created the Time and Japanese Culture Project, a fresh approach to discovering the appeal of traditional Japanese culture and helping a wider audience to understand and appreciate it.
Seiko House Ginza, located in the heart of the world-famous Ginza district, will occasionally host a wide variety of events and exhibitions featuring artists from diverse fields that represent traditional Japanese culture, including craftsmanship, food culture, fine art, and the performing arts.
The first of these events, KIMONO Collection: Four Seasons, Nature, and Life – The Passage of Time and the Beauty of Nature, is a collection of costumes belonging to the highly esteemed onnagata (female role specialist) kabuki actor Tamasaburo Bando, and will be held at the Seiko House Ginza Hall. In July, we will host another exclusive event entitled Learning from Time, produced by Seiko Group Ambassador Danjuro Ichikawa. This premium event will offer an opportunity to experience the mysteries and charms of Kabuki.
Tamasaburo Bando’s KIMONO Collection: Four Seasons, Nature, and Life – The Passage of Time and the Beauty of Nature
This exhibition presents a display of gorgeous kimonos owned by the famous Kabuki actor Tamasaburo Bando, who is renowned for his mastery of female roles. Needless to say, all these kimonos were created by outstanding artisans and they showcase the exquisite beauty, techniques, and historical significance of this pinnacle of the weaver’s art. Visitors can experience the passage of time as they explore stunning designs depicting Japan's four seasons. As a special treat, there are some personal treasures hand-selected by Tamasaburo Bando from his private collection.
We invite you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of kimono art, showcased for a limited time only in the elegant setting of Seiko House Ginza Hall.
Outline
Date and time:
June 8 - 18, 2023, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (until 5:00 p.m. on the last day)
Venue:
Seiko House Ginza Hall
6F of Seiko House Ginza, 4-5-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Short walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Station Exit A9 or A10, directly connected to Exit B1
Admission:
Free (no advance reservation required)
A talk by Tamasaburo Bando is scheduled to take place during the exhibition.
(Details will be announced at a later date.)
Learning from Time presented by Ichikawa Danjuro — a premium event to understand and enjoy kabuki
Two-day event: July 4 and 5
Learning from Time, a chance to enjoy the traditional Japanese theatrical art of Kabuki, is scheduled to take place on July 4 and 5. Centered around the theme of "Time," the event offers a rare opportunity to better appreciate this uniquely Japanese art form.
It consists of three sections:
Knowledge, where attendees can learn about the history and origins of Kabuki Performance, during which Kabuki actors will perform, dance, and explain the art of the mie (a climactic pose), and
Sound, where guests can listen to Japanese musical instruments together with an informative commentary.
Whether you are a seasoned Kabuki fan or new to the art form, this event promises the very best of Kabuki. Details of the Learning from Time kabuki event will be announced at a later date.
*Note that Danjuro Ichikawa will not appear at this event.
Seiko will continue to organize various events that allow visitors to immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture and discover its appeal. We look forward to welcoming you to these events.
Press Contact:
Seiko Group Corporation
Public Relations Department
prdeptj@seiko.co.jp
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