Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs attended and participated in the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Opening of the Contemporary Wood-Carved Netsuke Exhibition by the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the National Library and Information System (NALIS). The ceremony took place on Friday 11th October, 2024 at the Diego Martin Public Library.
During his remarks at the event, Minister Browne emphasised that the netsukes on display provided a unique opportunity for members of the national community to experience a new aspect of Japanese history and culture, underscoring that there is a great interest in Japanese culture here in Trinidad and Tobago. The Minister advised the audience that, with the application of exquisite skill and dedication, the Japanese artists are able to transform simple ceramics and pieces of wood into magnificent treasures. He went on to opine that “it is not what you start with, but what you make of it.”
In his remarks at the ceremony, His Excellency Yutaka Matsubara, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, indicated that these cultural experiences such as the netsuke exhibition, augur well for deepening the knowledge of Japanese people. He expressed the fervent hope that, through the exhibition, visitors will appreciate the sophisticated skills and minds behind contemporary netsuke.
The Contemporary Wood-Carved Netsuke Exhibition is one in an insightful series of activities held to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Japan.
The exhibition runs from 11th October to 2nd November, 2024 at the Diego Martin Public Library.
