Art

One hundred and fifty years ago, when the traditional educational system was adopted in Japan, Western ways and appreciations in regards to art were adopted as well. As a result, Japanese art was seen as second class. The techniques at the time were contrasts of black and white, but oil painting on canvas was seen as more important due to it’s coming from the West. Traditional Japanese music as well was looked down upon while Western classical music was seen as the best. Academic pressure existed against Japanese art from above (teachers) and below (students who studied abroad), so the ideal existed that Western art was the best while Japanese art was inferior. This attitude still exists in many ways and in fact traditional forms in other areas are dying out as well with the continuance of the industrial, high-tech way of life.

Lecture Given by:

Chihiro Tada

Director, Art Education Institute

Directory, Toy Museum