The funds will assist in funding UMMA’s upcoming exhibition, Japanese Prints of Kabuki Theater from the Collection of the University of Michigan Museum of Art, which will be on display from October 15, 2016, to January 29, 2017, in the A. Alfred Taubman Gallery.
"Japanese commitment to arts and culture is important," Noda said at the check presentation. "I hope UMMA's exhibition on kabuki theater will further contribute to a Japanese cultural presence in the region."
The checks were presented to Dr. Natsu Oyobe, UMMA’s Curator of Asian Art, in front of local media and UMMA staff.
“Local corporation support provides strong ties to connect with the area Japanese community,” says Oyobe. "I hope that Japanese people who live and work here can come and see the exhibition – an introduction to the vibrant culture of kabuki theater."
Kabuki is Japan’s traditional theater and has been popular entertainment for more than 400 years. This exhibition highlights colorful woodblock prints produced in the 18th and 19th centuries. These woodblocks depict scenes from kabuki stages and its all-male actors in beautiful female and handsome male roles. The featured prints were designed by major print artists of the late Edo Period to early Meiji Period that include Utagawa Toyokuni, Utagawa Kunisada, Utagawa Kuniyoshi and Toyohara Kunichika.
"We are happy that this is the first time our company has given money for a cultural aspect," Omitsu said. "I hope that we can do more for UMMA exhibitions in the future."