Japan Press Weekly

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2019 October 16 - 21 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

Aichi Triennale successfully ends in face of unjust political pressure

The 75-day international art festival, Aichi Triennale 2019 came a successful close on October 14 and a Triennale section titled “After the ‘Freedom of Expression?’” went the remaining distance after its two-month forced shutdown.

The “freedom of expression” section was forced to shut down three days after the opening of the Triennale on August 1. However, efforts made by concerned citizens and Triennale artists succeeded in reopening the shuttered section on October 8. For six days after the resumption, more than 13,000 people enjoyed viewing artworks displayed in the section despite many restrictions, such as limited admission.

On the final day of the art event, citizens who worked hard to reinstate the removed artworks held a rally at a park near the Triennale main venue.

A member of the “freedom of expression” exhibit organizing committee, Ogura Toshimaru felt grateful for the exhibit winning the resumption due to grassroots-based efforts. He said, “I am concerned about a possible increase of political censorship and other suppressive moves. But I’ll continue to work to protect our right to freedom of expression.”

Psychiatrist Kayama Rika delivered a solidarity speech and said, “I think it is becoming more and more difficult for the people to express themselves freely. Let us increase public awareness of the importance of defending our constitutional right to freedom of expression as well as to freedom of thought and belief!”

Iwanaka Mihoko from Nagoya City took part in various activities to win the reopening of the “freedom of expression” exhibit. She expressed her determination to work even harder to oppose any historical revisionist movements and demand the retraction of the Cultural Agency’s decision not to pay the subsidy to the Triennale.

Following the closing of the art event, Aichi Governor Omura Hideaki, who heads the Triennale organizing committee, at a press conference stated that the number of visitors to the art festival reached a record high of 650,000. He also said that he welcomed the fact that the shuttered exhibit was reopened for public viewing.

Past related articles:
> ‘Shuttered’ Aichi Triennale exhibit featuring freedom of expression reopens [October 9, 2019]
> Culture agency admits to absence of records regarding cancellation of subsidy payment to Aichi Triennale [October 2, 2019]
> Majority of Aichi Triennale artists call for reopening of ‘shuttered’ exhibition [August 7, 2019]