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Expo & Buddha
Takashimaya Archives
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This exhibition examines the acceptance and evolution of the image of Buddhism in the modern era through an overview of exhibits related to Buddhism that were displayed at World Expositions.
Since the 19th century, Japan has also participated in these expositions to keep up with the trend. This exhibition focuses on the many Buddhist artifacts exhibited by Japan at the World Exposition.
For example, at the Vienna World's Fair (1873), the Meiji government's first official participation, "paper-mâché head of the Great Buddha of Kamakura" and a model of a five-story pagoda were exhibited. Furthermore, at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago (1893), the "Japanese Pavilion" was built to resemble the exterior of the Byodoin Phoenix Hall, and the Buddhist image was expressed not only in the exhibits but also in the exterior of the pavilion itself. It is easy to assume that these Buddhist images were used as an internalization of the Orientalist gaze from the West. On the other hand, it is also interesting to note the strategic use of this image by Japan.
At the same time, it is important to note how the image of Buddhism was presented at the 1970 Japan World Exposition (Osaka Expo). This was known as the first world exposition in Asia, which also meant that it was the first one to be visited by a large number of people who believed in Buddhism. Therefore, the Buddhist exhibits at the Osaka Expo were perceived by many visitors from Asian countries as a space displaying symbols of their faith, whereas at previous World Expos in Europe and the United States, Buddhist exhibits functioned only as material objects, and were not related to their faith. It was an epoch-making event in that the image of Buddhism at the expo shifted from Orientalism to a religious presence.
Since the 19th century, Japan has also participated in these expositions to keep up with the trend. This exhibition focuses on the many Buddhist artifacts exhibited by Japan at the World Exposition.
For example, at the Vienna World's Fair (1873), the Meiji government's first official participation, "paper-mâché head of the Great Buddha of Kamakura" and a model of a five-story pagoda were exhibited. Furthermore, at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago (1893), the "Japanese Pavilion" was built to resemble the exterior of the Byodoin Phoenix Hall, and the Buddhist image was expressed not only in the exhibits but also in the exterior of the pavilion itself. It is easy to assume that these Buddhist images were used as an internalization of the Orientalist gaze from the West. On the other hand, it is also interesting to note the strategic use of this image by Japan.
At the same time, it is important to note how the image of Buddhism was presented at the 1970 Japan World Exposition (Osaka Expo). This was known as the first world exposition in Asia, which also meant that it was the first one to be visited by a large number of people who believed in Buddhism. Therefore, the Buddhist exhibits at the Osaka Expo were perceived by many visitors from Asian countries as a space displaying symbols of their faith, whereas at previous World Expos in Europe and the United States, Buddhist exhibits functioned only as material objects, and were not related to their faith. It was an epoch-making event in that the image of Buddhism at the expo shifted from Orientalism to a religious presence.
Schedule | Aug 5 (Sat) 2023-Dec 25 (Mon) 2023 Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Free | ||||
| Venue | Takashimaya Archives https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/shiryokan/  | ||||
| Location | 3-5-25 Nippombashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 556-0005 | ||||
| Access | 8 minute walk from exit 5 or 10 at Nippombashi Station on the Sennichimae and Sakaisuji subway lines or Kintetsu line, 10 minute walk from Namba Station on the Nankai or Midosuji subway line. | ||||
| Phone | 06-6632-9102 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it |
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