#Japan #Uchida Yoko #Kyushu National Museum #Wang Xizhi #Dazaifu

Uchida Yoko Supports the 20th Anniversary Exhibition of Kyushu National Museum

Uchida Yoko Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, has played a significant role in the upcoming special exhibition titled "Kyushu's National Treasures: Kyuhaku no Takara," which will be held at the Kyushu National Museum in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, from July 5, 2025. The highlight of this exhibition is a 3D visualization of the "Lantingji Xu (永楽本)," showcasing the vibrant culture of the Eastern Jin Dynasty through advanced rendering technology.

The 3D image vividly recreates the scenery of the "Feast of the Poets" held by the renowned calligrapher Wang Xizhi in 353 AD, along with the poetic world that surrounded it. Not only will this stunning visual piece be available during the special exhibition, but it will also be integrated into the museum’s regular exhibitions as part of its ongoing cultural exchange initiatives after the event ends. The Kyushu National Museum aims to provide visitors with an immersive experience, allowing them to feel as though they have stepped back in time, thus earning the title of a “museum that travels through time.”

The digital content titled "Digital Content: Moving Lantingji Xu – Eiraku Edition" is intended to offer an engaging way to appreciate historical and cultural art, aligning closely with the museum's philosophy of enhancing cultural engagement through technology. This innovative approach to utilizing digital cultural assets underlines the museum's commitment to providing long-term educational value.

The Essence of "Lantingji Xu"

The "Lantingji Xu" is a pictorial scroll that captures the ambiance of the poetic assembly hosted by Wang Xizhi. This scroll, which dates back to the Eastern Jin period, is highly regarded not only for its artistic beauty but also for the famed preamble, the "Lanting Preface," penned by Wang himself. The "Eiraku Edition," published during the Ming dynasty in 1417, is a rare and valuable copy of this work, representing an important bridge between ancient Chinese calligraphy and contemporary appreciation.

This exquisite artwork, housed at the Kyushu National Museum, symbolizes the rich spiritual culture of East Asia, making it a standout piece during the exhibition. In addition to the scroll, the museum also features a recreation of Wang Xizhi's "Sister Zhi's Letter" from the Tang dynasty, emphasizing its commitment to showcasing the continuous legacy of Wang Xizhi's work.

By digitizing this significant cultural piece, Uchida Yoko helps modern audiences connect deeply with history, ensuring that the spirit of Wang Xizhi’s poetic, calligraphic, and artistic achievements is vividly expressed through today’s technological lenses.

Innovative Use of Digital Technology

The utilization of 3D real-time rendering technology introduces a dimension of movement and depth to the once-static scroll, allowing visitors to experience the interplay of poetry, calligraphy, and painting in a dynamic spring celebration setting. Imagery depicting blossoming cherry trees, babbling brooks, and gentle breezes brings forth a vivid portrayal of the natural beauty surrounding the feast, evoking the essence of springtime.

As viewers glimpse into the scenes of celebrated dignitaries gathered for the feast, the animation preserves the original texture of the artwork while enhancing the portrayal of light and perspective. This creates an authentic illusion of three-dimensionality, allowing each character's movements, especially that of Wang Xizhi, to resonate with life and fluidity.

In the latter part of the film, the passage of time will be captured through the transformation of the sky's colors from a muted dawn to a vibrant midday blue, and finally to a golden sunset, taking audiences on an emotional journey throughout a day. Such beautiful depictions not only invite viewers to appreciate fleeting moments but also highlight the transitory nature of life.

Furthermore, the exhibition offers insights into how this poetic tradition persisted in Japan, with a discussion of the modern adaptation of the "Feast of the Poets" at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, which continues to be held annually.

Educational Impact of Digital Culture

Uchida Yoko's production team, comprising skilled professionals from Power Place, a subsidiary of the Uchida Yoko Group, has an impressive track record in creating high-quality renditions of historical artifacts. Their previous projects include digital reflections for Tokyo National Museum exhibitions, where they demonstrated their ability to combine artistic fidelity with technical precision.

This particular project aims to deepen understanding and appreciation of the cultural continuity from Wang Xizhi’s poetry to its modern-day resonance in Japanese culture, enhancing educational value through experiential learning. The implementation of these technologies serves not only to revitalize historical artifacts but also to connect people with the rich cultural narrative that shapes both local and global history.

In the future, further developments including VR and AR experiences are being explored to expand the interactive capabilities of the exhibition.

Exhibition Details

• - Exhibition Title: Special Exhibition for the 20th Anniversary of Kyushu National Museum: "Kyushu's National Treasures: Kyuhaku no Takara"
• - Dates: July 5, 2025 - August 31, 2025
• - Location: Kyushu National Museum, 4-7-2 Ishizaka, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
• - Official Website: Kyushu National Museum
• - Organizers: Kyushu National Museum, Fukuoka Prefecture, Nishinippon Shimbun, TNC Television Nishinippon, Nishinippon Shimbun Event Service

Uchida Yoko continues to challenge itself to innovate in museum and educational spaces, aspiring to convey Japan's treasures and local pride for generations to come.