JF Talk 110711: Shikinen Sengu, Ceremonial Rebuilding for over 1300 years

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Talk and slide presentation by Haruo Nakano
Shikinen Sengu:
Ceremonial Rebuilding Every 20 Years Since 690 AD
In Japanese with English interpretation



July 11, 2011 (Monday), 6:30-8:30 P.M. Booksigning to follow.
The Japan Foundation , Toronto , 131 Bloor Street West, Suite 213
Free admission
Reservation Required: 416.966.1600 x.103　www.jftor.org/whatson/rsvp.php

For over 1300 years the Grand Shrine has kept a precious tradition of renewals. In spite of several interruptions during times of war, the Grand Shrine has been dismantled and rebuilt every 20 years. For each of the 126 shrines exactly the same structure is constructed just beside each existing one, and the old buildings are demolished. Not only the physical buildings of the shrines, but also the wooden bridges leading towards the shrines and the treasures to be stored in the shrines are freshly made, retaining the exact same designs and crafting methods. The whole construction is a spiritual process of rebirth to obtain freshness and purity, far more profound than simply a physical renewal. The 62nd rebuilding project, which started in 2005, will be celebrating its completion in 2013. Haruo Nakano is a native and current resident of the city of Ise . As an official photographer, he has been witnessing and documenting all ceremonies and rituals of this rebirth. Images which are not included in the exhibition will be projected during this talk.

Complementing exhibition
<The Grand Shrine of Ise: Photography by Haruo Nakano>
March 15 ~ July 29 [EXTENDED], 2011
at The Japan Foundation , Toronto www.jftor.org

The artist will be present at the Special Saturday opening on July 9th.