CULTURE GATE to JAPAN - RYUKYU KINGDOM

About

CULTURE GATE to JAPAN is an innovative multimedia art exhibition showing online and on location in Japan at seven airports and Tokyo International Cruise Terminal. Launched by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 29 creatives were invited to make original, new artworks inspired by the unique cultures and histories of each location, with the goal of communicating the rich diversity of Japanese culture.

An island kingdom and castles at Naha Airport, Okinawa

The Okinawa archipelago of over 160 islands in the very south of Japan, has distinct food, arts, crafts, religious views, and local culture, inspired by its past as the Ryukyu Kingdom. MEMORIES of the Ryukyu Kingdom inspired both artists on show at Naha Airport.

The wall mural created by retro pop animator and illustrator nuQ mixes motifs of the historic Shurijo Castle and Ryukyu-style karate with the tourists and banana boats of the present day. She named the artwork ‘Past and Present Chanpuru Hospitality’ in homage to the region’s “chanpuru” culture, fusing and distilling cultural elements from Japan, Korea, China and Southeast Asia over hundreds of years to create its own distinct identity. 

nuQ recommends visiting the tomb of King Eiso at Urasoe Youdore, one of the three royal mausoleums of the Ryukyu Kingdom to see, to learn more about these islands’ unique heritage.

A large part of Shurijo Castle, a vibrant symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom, was lost to fire in 2019. Visual artist HIGA Satoru’s artwork, ‘Portrait, Landscape’, uses a 3D model of the castle to return it to its former glory in digital space. HIGA, a visual artist from Okinawa Prefecture who masterfully uses advanced programming technology, incorporates motifs of Ryukyu nature, history, and ideology into his video installation artwork. The artwork begins with scenes of sea and sky connected to the landscape visible from the windows of Naha Airport. It continues by shifting to Seiden, the main hall of Shurijo Castle, and ends by arriving at a space expressing the spiritual world of niraikana, which is where the Ryukyu gods are said to reside. 

There are plans to rebuild Shurijo Castle by 2026. In the meantime, visitors to Okinawa are encouraged to visit the castle and observe the reconstruction works and also visit Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum, housed in a striking contemporary take on an Okinawan castle (gusuku) and with a fascinating collection about the history, nature, culture, and art of Okinawa.

* Please note, the exhibition is currently scheduled to run until 30 September 2021, with the possibility of extension. Please visit the official website for the most up-to-date opening dates and details.