#Japan #Tokyo #Egypt #Showa Era #Ancient Orient Museum

Discover the Magic of Ancient Egypt in the Showa Era

In 2025, Japan marks the 100th anniversary of the Showa era, coinciding with a heightened interest in ancient Egypt, particularly following the recent discovery of a royal tomb in Egypt. The Ancient Orient Museum, located in Ikebukuro's Sunshine City, will host a special autumn exhibition titled "I Still Love Egypt♡ Showa Japan and Ancient Egypt" from September 27 to November 24. This exhibition aims to highlight the fascination with ancient Egypt that proliferated in Japan during the Showa period by showcasing approximately 200 items, including contributions from the Hokuen Guesthouse Museum (Showa Daily Life Museum).

Famed for attracting over 2.9 million visitors, the 1965 Tutankhamun exhibition is just one example of Egypt’s enduring popularity in Japan. However, the fascination for this ancient civilization began much earlier, permeating everyday life through various designs inspired by ancient Egyptian motifs. This exhibition will provide a retrospective look at this unique "Egyptian pattern boom" that spread throughout Japan in the 1950s and 1960s, offering insights into how ancient designs were integrated into fabric, paper, ceramics, woodwork, metal, and even subcultures.

Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition will be divided into several captivating sections:

Chapter 1: Fabric

Explore various fabrics adorned with designs inspired by sacred animals and the sun, showcased through dresses, skirts, kimonos, handkerchiefs, ties, and more. These delightful textile designs reflect the admiration for ancient Egypt during the Showa era.

Chapter 2: Paper

Discover paper products featuring ancient Egyptian designs, such as illustrations of architectural structures and mural paintings that embellish notebooks and book covers. These practical applications of art brought ancient Egypt into schools and bookstores across Japan.

Chapter 3: Ceramics and Glass

Examine everyday items like mugs, tea sets, and decorative glassware that showcase ancient Egyptian motifs. This section will illustrate the seamless integration of ancient designs into contemporary Japanese daily life.

Chapter 4: Wood

This chapter explores wooden furniture and small items like jewelry boxes and leter racks, richly decorated with intricate designs that echo ancient Egyptian aesthetics, demonstrating craftsmanship from the Showa era.

Chapter 5: Metal and Leather

Metal and leather items, such as ashtrays and bottle openers designed to resemble figures from ancient Egypt, will also be on display, exhibiting the whimsical use of motifs from this civilization.

Chapter 6: Subculture

The influence of ancient Egypt extends into Showa-era manga and television, as seen in various popular cultural references. This chapter highlights how the symbolism of ancient Egypt has been creatively incorporated into modern narratives, continuing to captivate new generations.

Special Goods and Events

In conjunction with the exhibition, the museum shop will feature themed merchandise, including fans inspired by Egyptian motifs and original compact mirrors. Additionally, a variety of events, including workshops and lectures aimed at exploring the connections between Showa Japan and ancient Egypt, will enrich visitor experience.

Noteworthy Comment

Keiko Tazawa, Chief of Research at the Ancient Orient Museum, emphasizes the long-standing admiration for ancient Egyptian culture in Japan, a fascination that predates even the sensational Tutankhamun exhibit. She invites visitors to engage deeply with this exhibition to understand the continued resonance of ancient Egyptian civilization with the Japanese spirit.

Additional Program Details

The exhibition will also feature guided tours, lectures, and workshops, offering unique insights into ancient Egyptian culture and its historical connections to Japan. All events require prior registration, and information can be found on the museum’s website.

Visit the Exhibition

From September 27 to November 24, immerse yourself in a retrospective of the Egyptian pattern boom that captivated Japan, and experience the artistic reverberations of ancient Egypt in modern culture.