JAPAN and ICELAND Iceland and Japan are both islands separated by great distance.However, both lands seem to be connected by an invisible force. Iceland lies on the Mid Atlantic Ridge, being split by the movements of the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate. On the other hand, Japan is located on the eastern edge of the Eurasian Plate. Both countries are on the same plate despite the distance. Both are volcanic, but the climates are different; Japan belongs to the Temperate Zone with four seasons and Iceland to Frigid Zone with Nordic weather. One of the biggest differences is the population. Japan has more than 120 million inhabitants, on the contrary, Iceland only has a population of 300 thousand. In view of the high suicide rate in Japan, 30 thousand par year, Japan lost whole population of Iceland in 10 years. Despite the differences, two countries have common spirits related to insularity. Both countries possess original culture and languages in spite of the big neighboring civilization, China and Europe. This originality should be related to ancient history and memories they hold beyond the civilization. Their situations after World War II show similarity as well. Iceland became independent from Denmark, Japan from US domination. Both countries achieved economic recovery under the American Marshall Plan. Though we are both under the strong influence of American democracy and its life style. Our politics, economy, education, health system, even movies, music and sports are under their influence. However, Art expresses possibility in various styles. I would not say that both arts are explained by insularity. Yet, I believe that we can see our originality related to the ancient history, deep inside our culture. Two arts meet in Lithuania. Why is it interesting? Lithuania is not an island. However, Lithuania has its original language and culture which connected to ancient times beyond the civilization. It was in Kaunas, the pre-war capital of Lithuania, where two arts could meet against the stream the political and economic globalization. This is a nice place where two arts could resound. I am glad to be present at this precious moment MIKIO KAWASAKI (artist)
Posted on: Mon, 15 Jul 2013 21:29:43 +0000
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