“Few moments express the affinity between nations as much as the communion of ideas. Fewer still reflect the respect nations accord one another better than the recognition of their mutual contribution to the good of humanity. ” – Nelson Mandela
The launch of an international exhibition showcase in Japan that highlights the life and times of Nelson Mandela, is a celebration of two countries’ joint efforts to reach diverse audiences and generate creative narratives under the theme "human dignity".
A partner project between the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory and the Japanese Association of International Cultural Heritage (JAICH), the exhibition was launched in Japan on 7 August 2013 by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and represents the culmination of a long journey undertaken by both countries to bridge cultural, linguistic and geographic borders.
The links between South Africa and Japan have a substantial history, with particular reference to the role the Friends of South Africa in Japan played in the anti-apartheid movement to drive change in South Africa.
The significance of these strong ties and relations was demonstrated with Nelson Mandela choosing to visit Japan as his first diplomatic visit following his release in 1990.
Indeed, in 1995, on a visit to Japan, Nelson Mandela said: “The support which Japan gave us in the struggle to free ourselves from apartheid is remembered with gratitude by our people.”
He described Japan as one “that has embraced peace with a passion; a country that has graciously acknowledged wrongs of the past … A country that weathers fearsome natural disasters with such calm and fortitude, and displays an astonishing work ethic and innovation, will be central in building a new and better world.”
The relationship continues today, through the legacy work conducted by both the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory and the Japan Association of International Cultural Heritage.
Speaking at the launch event, Sello Hatang, Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, said: “Today’s launch continues what Nelson Mandela started in 1990, when he chose Japan as the destination of his first diplomatic visit following his release from prison. In so doing, Mr Mandela was acknowledging the role played by the Japanese people in freeing the people of South Africa.
“Via the exhibition, the richness of Madiba’s archive and legacy will be showcased. The exhibition is a tribute to the life and times of Nelson Mandela and the ability of one statesman to transcend borders, language and culture to inspire action and a global movement for good. The exhibition has the potential to reach diverse audiences and generate creative narratives, and in so doing build further links between South Africa and Japan,” he added.
Tokyo Sexwale (a Board Trustee for the Centre of Memory) who accompanied Hatang to the launch of the exhibition, said: “This magnificent art collection is the collective effort of people across the spectrum of Japanese society, ranging from artists, business, religious, cultural and political personalities, including political stalwarts. It is noteworthy that even our children, whom Mr Mandela regards as our treasure and future, have staked their claim; notably, the famous Mr Fuku Suzuki.”
Under the theme "human dignity", the JAICH presented a diverse exhibition of arts from international celebrities – including Nelson Mandela – with the aim of showing as many people as possible that art can change lives.
The exhibition included a digital artwork titled Human Dignity, as well as 175 works donated by some 100 members of Japanese society.
Chairperson of JAICH and art producer for the exhibition, Kumiko Matsuoka, spoke about the theme "human dignity": “Our world is changing more quickly than we have ever experienced before. And various problems regarding human rights and human dignity are arising on a worldwide level in societies with growing class disparities. This is the reason we wanted to consider ‘human dignity’ through our exhibition.”
Sexwale continued: “The message of today’s exhibition is that, as Mandela said, it is in our hands to take mankind’s struggles many steps further against enemies like poverty, hunger, disease and inequity, for the creation of developed communities in a better world.”
Such is what the opening of this exhibition symbolises. It is a milestone in the story that links two nations.