Cultural exchange to boost bilateral trade: Japanese envoy

The cultural exchange between Japan and Bangladesh will be a very effective instrument in strengthening bilateral relations, said Japanese Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori.

“During the latest visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Japan, in the Japan-Bangladesh Joint Statement on Strategic Partnership, the importance of “Expansion of Cultural Cooperation and People-to-People Exchanges” was emphasised,” he said.

The envoy made the remarks at the inauguration of the art exhibition “Godai: The Harmony of Elements” unveiled by Japan Tobacco International Bangladesh on Thursday at the Annex building, Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh.

Salman Fazlur Rahman, advisor to the Prime Minister on Private Industry and Investment, along with Kiminari, inaugurated the exhibition featuring artworks from a diverse list of celebrated artists including Mahmudul Haque, Monirul Islam, Tayeba Begum Lipi, Anisuzzaman Anis, Rokeya Sultana, and many more.

Speaking on the occasion, Salman said, “Japan has been a true and time-tested friend of Bangladesh and has supported development across multiple sectors including the arts and culture.”

“This exhibition further illustrates the cultural and fraternal ties between the two countries. I applaud JTI Bangladesh for this initiative and look forward to strengthening the ties between the two friendly nations,” Rahman added.

Paul Holloway, managing director, JTI Bangladesh said, “We have been celebrating Bangladeshi artists with a Japanese connection since our inception, through the landmark investment in 2018.”

“We also held an art exhibition last year to celebrate 50 years of Japan-Bangladesh Friendship and support the learning of Japanese language in Bangladesh. We hope to continue investing in Japanese culture in Bangladesh.”

Godai is a well-adapted philosophy in Japan that describes the formative elements of the universe: Chi (Earth), Sui (Water), Ka (Fire), Fu (Wind), and Ku (Void). Each of these elements in Japanese culture represents a certain tendency in the world - physical, spiritual, and personal.

JT International Bangladesh Limited curated its art collection to reflect these universal elements, which correspond to its guiding principles and operational activities. The exhibition will also pay tribute to the printmaking and art maestro Mahmudul Haque.