June 18 Saturday Opening at The Japan Foundation

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Saturday Opening at The Japan Foundation
Photographic Exhibitions and Library, noon to 5:00 pm



March 15 - July 29, 2011 Exhibition extended until July 29

The Grand Shrine of Ise: Photographs by Haruo Nakano
Exhibition presented by The Japan Foundation

GALLERY HOURS
Monday: 11:30 am - 7:00 pm EXTENDED HOURS
Tuesday: 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday: 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursdays: 11:30 am - 7:00 pm EXTENDED HOURS
Friday: 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday openings: Noon - 5:00 pm, June 18, July 9

CLOSED
other Saturdays & Sundays
July 1 ( Canada Day)

Admission: Free

The Grand Shrine of Ise is raised in honour of two central deities: Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and Toyouke, the goddess of prosperity. The legend of the shrine’s origin goes back over two thousand years, and historical records can be traced back to the seventh century. Historically, the Imperial Family of Japan has maintained a long relationship with the Shrine. Beginning as recently as the 18th century, pilgrimages to the Grand Shrine have become one of the most popular entertainments in the life of the nation.

The shrines of the two main goddesses are surrounded by those of a total of 123 other gods. Because of the animistic aspect of the Shinto religion, every single element or phenomenon of nature is symbolized by some divine character. Countless gods and goddesses all serve these main goddesses in order to achieve the happiness and harmony of Japan and the universe. This intimate relationship with nature is revealed to be a fundamental characteristic of Japanese culture.

The official photographer of the Grand Shrine, Haruo Nakano, was born and raised in the city of Ise . The sacred property and forest of the Grand Shrine used to be his childhood playground. Nakano still resides in Ise and visits the Shrine virtually every day, so his camera seems to capture even invisible exchanges between nature and people.

All photographs are printed on washi, hand-made Japanese paper, and framed using timber from the sacred forest of the Shrine. Along with the delicate but noble photography, the contemporary craftsmanship contributes to this exhibition to deliver the spirit of the holy forest.

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May 24 - June 30, 2011

Festival Day: Photography by Matthew Brown

Special photography exhibition in the Japan Foundation Toronto Library

During his two years in Japan , photographer Matthew Brown became fascinated by the energy of Japan 's many festivals. Intrigued by the beauty of festival shrines and the mysteries of ritual and detail, he began documenting his experiences. We hope you can enjoy the atmosphere of a Japanese matsuri through this exhibition.

LIBRARY HOURS same as The Grand Shrine of Ise above
Summer Inventory Closing: July 23 - August 1