Do you know about “Kansai Culture Day”?
This is a very useful event when the admission fee (in principle for permanent exhibits) is waived at cultural facilities in Kansai for a certain period in November. Prior to “Kansai Culture Day”, we of Osaka Fan Club turn our attention to the Treasure sleeping in Osaka Castle, the symbol of Osaka!
Majestic castle structure built by Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1583. The current castle is a reconstruction dating from 1931. Currently, the interior is popular as a history museum.
The final battle of the summer war of Osaka fought on May 7, 1615, is depicted on a pair of the folding screen. 5,071 people and 348 horses are painted in each space of approx. 150cm X 360cm.
The right side shows the fierce battle in detail. You can find famous warlords such as Ieyasu Tokugawa and Yukimura Sanada. The left side vividly depicts the disastrous scene of ordinary citizens caught up in the battle frantically scurrying about in their desperate efforts to escape the carnage. It is as if each painted figure has its own realistic story to tell.
Please take notice of the Castle painted on the Folding Screen. If you look closely, scores of weeping women can be seen gazing at the conflict below, from each level of the castle. It’s easy to miss, so please take a good look!
Mr. Makoto Atobe.
Folding screen illustrating Osaka in the Toyotomi era found in Eggenberg Castle in Graz City in Austria. A replica of it and other historical materials make an appearance at the Castle.
AHN MIKA is a second generation Korean from Ikuno Ward. She has permanent residence in Japan. Since she made an appearance at a Paris Collection when she was 18 years old, she has been widely active on TV and talk shows as well as appearing in fashion shows and fashion magazines. She has also been active as Honorary Public Relations Ambassador for Tourism Korea since March 2009, as well as being involved in Shitennnoji Wasso since 2004 and playing a role in Japan-Korea exchange as Public Relations Ambassador.
She relates, “I have a bond with Shitennoji Wasso. When I was a high school student, my father encouraged me and told me that if I wanted to be a model, I should do it as skillfully as if I had been entrusted with the role of Akaruhime. I had the honor to play the part in 2006. It was especially moving. Wasso is a ‘walking history textbook’. I want lots of people to enjoy the tradition of Japan-Korea exchange.”
“The spot I recommend is Korea Town in Ikuno, my hometown. Korean stores line the street, lifting your spirits. My favorite restaurant is “Fukuichi”(☎06-6712-0229). Their specialty Chijimi (\1,000) and abalone porridge (\2,000) is a work of art. Since I lost my mother when I was young, their food feels like it is my mother’s cooking. I feel like eating just by talking about their cuisine.”
* Akaruhime (Princess Akaru) = Wife of a Silla Prince, and the heroine of “Shitennoji Wasso”.
Shitennoji Wasso
A festival vividly recreating the international exchange of East Asia in ancient times. It will be held on November 1 (Sun) this year.
