"Kyoto - Tokyo From Samurais To Mangas"

Once again, the Grimaldi Forum, celebrating its 10th year, is to host an extravaganza titled "Kyoto - Tokyo From Samurais To Mangas".

The 4000 square metres of the Espace Ravel will feature thirteen centuries of Japanese culture and the exhibition runs from 14th July to 12th September.

Jean-Paul Desroches, the curator of this exhibition states: "Over and above a succinct reading of history thanks to the huge variety of exhibits selected, this exhibition is intended to offer an unprecedented peregrination through Japanese culture, using an avant-garde museographic approach since the fundamental aim is to show a Japan that is now one of the essential players in modernity."

He also said that to understand the Japanese culture fully, you need to understand Buddhism.

There will be some 600 exhibits illustrating Japan's history and cultural heritage. Among the contributors are,  Tokyo's and Kyoto's national museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Musée Guimet in Paris, Musées Royaux d’Art et d’Histoire in Brussels, Museo Stibbert in Florence, the Oriental art museums in Venice and Turin, the Asian art museums in Berlin and San Francisco – and numerous private collectors.

The exhibition is divided into four sections:

1) KYOTO: which is the traditional spiritual capital. The city built between 794 and 805 as instructed by Emporer KONIN will reveal the splendors of the ancient imperial capital and its true Japanese traditions.

2) EDO: The city of the shogun and of the ordinary people. For over two and a half centuries (1603 - 1867), the Tokugawa family influenced and controlled the whole city. There will be much to appreciated in this section on its art, architecture and how that has influenced the city today.

3) TOKAÏDO: The road of the two capitals. It is a historical road connecting the two great plains of Japan. It fuses and connects the traditional side of Japan to the modern. This inspired their art of print-making and photography. The section also features the Shinkansen, the oldest high speed train used by over 144 million passengers a year.

4) TOKYO: The 21st century megalopolis. As the largest city in the world, serving over thirty five million inhabitants, the phrase 'the city that never sleeps' was never more appropriate than when describing Tokyo. It is a city full of eclectic architecture and lifestyle habits. The section will demonstrate the past and the future, and from the world of art, cinema and animation.

The Japanese culture is a fascination beyond fascination. It's history has evolved with the ages and time has made its traditions more potent and intriguing. It influences the world of art, film, couture, tecnology, agriculture, wellness and cuisine.

Over the past few months, The Riviera Woman has met with some wonderful Japanese women. Back in April at the AJM (Assoc. Young Monagasque) event, we met Yoko Takenami, a calligraphy expert.

And in June, we were delighted to meet Kimono deisigner Fumiko Nozaki during her visit to Monaco.

Throughout the exhibition, Monaco will also play host to complimenting events and demonstartions. Further details can be found on the Monaco-Japan website.

It is to be a Japanese Summer in Monaco.

The exhibition was officially opened by Prince and Princess Hitachi of Japan in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II, shown in the picture above cutting the ribbon. There were many representatives of the Monaco business community present, and members of the Government including Ambassador Fissore, who represents Monaco in Japan and Mme Sophie Thevenoux, the Minister for finance and economy (picture left), who was wearing a beautiful kimono.

The foyer of the Grimaldi Forum was packed to the doors for the opening ceremony, and as the VIP guests began their tour of the exhibition, outside a group of Japanese drummers put on a show that must have been audible over most of the Principality, while staff in the piazza offered everyone soft drinks and other refreshments.

I was delighted to interview Greg Irvine, a senior curator from the Asia Department of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, which has loaned some of the exhibits on display at the Grimaldi Forum.  He spoke of the Samurai, the history of the masks and how, by a coincidence he became to be so passionate about Japan and its culture.

The Riviera Woman is giving away two tickets to visit the exhibition at the Grimaldi Forum. The first correct entry will be able to choose the day and enjoy this most exciting and impressive exhibition.

Here is how you can win.