British Museum previews Japan cultural assets show – NHK WORLD

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The British Museum in London has held a press preview of an exhibit of cultural assets from temples in Japan’s ancient capital of Nara.

Nara Prefecture and others have organized the exhibition starting on Thursday to show Japanese traditions and culture to the world ahead of next year’s Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

On display are 19 objects designated as national treasures or important cultural properties in Japan.

“Bodhisattva of Compassion” from Horyuji Temple is a standing statue of the Goddess of Kannon with a graceful smile. It is designated as a national treasure.

The statue, also known as “Dream-changing Kannon,” is credited with making bad dreams good if people pray to the goddess.

Also featured is the standing bronze statue “Shaka at Birth,” a national treasure possessed by Todaiji Temple.

The figure represents the newborn Buddha, who’s said to have taken seven steps immediately after his birth and raised his right hand toward heaven and his left hand toward Earth. He’s said to have pronounced that all life on Earth has invaluable preciousness.

Nara Prefecture officials say the exhibit includes items never before leased to a museum outside Japan.

The head of the British Museum’s Japanese section, Tim Clark, says it took three years to open the exhibit.

He adds that it’s great for people around the world to look at ancient artifacts from Nara, where Japanese culture originated.

The event runs through November 24.

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https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20191003_40/
 
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