Speech of Mr. Takashi Katae, Charge` d’Affaires, Embassy of Japan in Pakistan
for Japanese Woodblock Exhibition at the Rawalpindi Arts Council
on 3rd September 2014

Mr. Waqar Ahmed…………………….……Resident Director, Rawalpindi Arts Council
Dr. Shahida Mansoor…………………….. Japanese Woodblock Printmaking Artist
Mr. Hafiz S. A. Rehman…………………..President, Pakistan Japan Cultural Association

Dear Guests,
Asalam-o-Alaikum,

It is a pleasure for me to come here today to inaugurate the Japanese Woodblock Prints exhibition, organized by Embassy of Japan in cooperation with the Rawalpindi Arts Council, Pakistan Japan Cultural Association and the MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan.

Woodblock prints were initially used as early as the eighth century in Japan to disseminate texts, especially Buddhist scriptures and to print designs on paper and silk. With time, their subject matter expanded to include famous romantic vistas and eventually, in the final years of the nineteenth century, dramatic historical events.

I am very pleased to see the art works of participants of different age groups here today. No doubt that these fascinating art pieces are showcasing numerous aspects of this versatile art form. You have learned a lot in such a short period of time. I hope that you would continue to practice this art in future as well.

In this regard, I wish to extend my earnest gratitude to Dr. Shahida Mansoor, who took the initiative of spreading this unique Japanese art in Pakistan.

In the end, I would like to thank Mr. Waqar Ahmed, Director, Rawalpindi Arts Council, for giving us this beautiful venue for the exhibition. I also extend my thanks Pakistan Japan Cultural Association and MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan, for cooperating with the Embassy in organizing this event.
Shukriya (Thank you)