Distant Companions

The year 2011 marked the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Japan. In 1861 the two countries signed a friendship, trade and navigation treaty which paved the way for intensive bilateral cooperation in the second half of the 19th century. The results of this German-Japanese exchange, particularly the German influence on the development of modern Japanese society, are still visible in many areas today, such as the Japanese constitution, the legal system, the natural sciences, humanities, music and art.

The Curt Engelhorn Foundation has staged a major exhibition on German-Japanese relations at the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums in Mannheim. The exhibition presented thematic complexes in the areas of science and politics, as well as displayed works by contemporary artists from both countries. The exhibition not only focused on the past, but also examined today’s bilateral relations and joint future projects. Other key issues included the democratization processes in both countries following World War II, their methods of dealing with their totalitarian past and their roles in the world community today.

Artistic director: Peter Pantzer
Artists: Higashiyama Kaii (JP), Mitsumasa Anno (JP), Jörg Schmeisser

Venue and schedule:
Reiss-Engelhorn Museums Mannheim, 8 Nov. 2011 – 5 Feb. 2012