絆 Kizuna: The Bonds of Emotion
Japan Earthquake Photo Exhibition
March 21-31, 2012
The Chicago Photography Collective Gallery at Block 37, first floor
108 North State Street, Chicago
Wednesday- Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Both exhibits are free and open to the public.
March 11, 2012 will mark the one year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. The months after this disaster brought to the forefront incredible stories of resilience and generosity as Japan began recovery efforts. The Nikkei, the leading Japanese business newspaper, chronicled the devastation and recovery efforts through an extensive collection of photographs that they have shared with our city.
The Osaka Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International and Japan America Society of Chicago will exhibit forty-six photos, approximately 16 by 24, at two downtown galleries; March 12-16 at the State of Illinois Thompson Center and March 21-31 at The Chicago Photography Collective Gallery at Block 37 (first floor).
OPENING CEREMONY
When: Monday, March 12
Where: Thompson Center, State of Illinois Center, lobby
100 W. Randolph St.
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
CLICK HERE for more information about the opening ceremony.
About Chicago’s Japan Earthquake Photo Exhibition
This special exhibit is custom curated from photos taken in the Tohoku region of Japan by photojournalists from Nikkei, Inc. in the immediate aftermath of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and recovery efforts since then. The photos selected for Chicago’s exhibition are 46 of more than 100. They are paired in a subtle way to show the catastrophe unfolding and the immediate aftermath, then a similar or related photo of the recovery process.
The selections here vividly illustrate the human element of this tragedy and the optimism and resilience of Japanese local citizens as they struggle courageously to rebuild their lives.
The title of the Chicago exhibition, 絆 Kizuna: The Bonds of Emotion, uses a character and the word Kizuna to express the bonds of caring and the outreach from every end of the globe to help the Japanese people survive and recover from the unspeakable damage they endured.
The exhibition of these photographs is occurring in New York and London as well, all made possible through the generous cooperation of Nikkei Inc. which asks only that it be used to help create a memory of things that should never be forgotten.
The Chicago committee which worked to bring the exhibit to life here is profoundly grateful for the generosity and partnership and outreach extended by people throughout Chicago and the state of Illinois who came together to assist with the recovery in Japan.
Made possible through the generous cooperation of Nikkei Inc.
Dedicated to The Nikkei’s collection – Memory: Things We Should Never Forget
Associated Educational Program:
Mr. Tatsuhiro Shindo, Chief Executive Director of the Chicago office of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) will discuss how Japan is moving forward, the economic impact of the disaster and the most recent recovery efforts. The discussion will be moderated by Greg Burns, Chicago Tribune Editorial Board Member.
When: Thursday, March 15
Where: Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
230 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL
Time: 6:00 p.m. RSVP is required.
Free and open to the public.
CLICK HERE for more information about the seminar.
About Chicago Sister Cities International
Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI) provides leadership to develop, manage, and coordinate comprehensive programs and projects with Chicago’s 28 sister cities. CSCI is committed to promoting Chicago as a global city, developing international partnerships and networks, and sharing best practices on a city-to-city basis. Osaka and Chicago have been Sister Cities since 1973. For more information, visit www.chicagosistercities.com.
About The Japan America Society of Chicago
The Japan America Society of Chicago’s mission is to create and promote Japanese and American friendships. We do this through business, social, educational and cultural activities. For more information, please visit www.jaschicago.org.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:
Asian Improv aRts Midwest
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Chicago Board Options Exchange
Chicago Kalbi
Chicago Loop Alliance
Chicago Photography Collective
City of Osaka, Chicago Office
Consulate General of Japan at Chicago
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Grant Thornton LLP
Japan Society, Inc. (New York)
Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago
JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) Chicago
Lakeview Art Supply
Loyola University School of Communication
Masuda, Funai, Eifert & Mitchell, Ltd.
Office of the Governor of Illinois
Ritz/Wolf Camera & Image
Opening Ceremony/Reception Sponsors
Ai Restaurant
Beard Papa’s
Hana to Yoko Florist
Kamehachi
M Square Catering
Simply Thalia
Slurping Turtle
Takashi Restaurant
Tsukasa Taiko
Japanese calligraphy by Hekiun Oda
Flyer and poster design by Yuuka Yonemura
For more information, please contact Naomi Hattori (nhattori@chicagosistercities.com)
