Posted by: Ed_Morris
Japan Arena - 11/30/05 10:57 AM
An interesting subject was brought up by Grayston-San when he was referencing a headline in my Nth degree page. (which I'm honored for him doing so, of course)
very interesting. scaary how close what is intended as humor is to reality sometimes. now we need a name for this type of 'living museum' ... 'museumtainment'? no. how about 'exhibitation' or 'museum of living history'?
I think it's a good idea. The pitfall of course is if they display a western version of Japanese culture instead of the reality. Much like how hollywood distorts cultures and sometimes spread false impressions. This happens when the entertainment aspect overwhelms the historical aspect in an attempt to meet bottom line income flow goals. and THAT is driven by people choosing to be entertained vs informed. Lets face it, some things in history are just not sexy enough for public consumption. It takes a great deal of creativity to show history accurately while at the same time captivating audiences. The best things are the most difficult to do...it's worth it.
worst case: The UK will have a new Japanese-like theme park. selling everything from samurai icon keychains to cold sake in a plastic bottle. dressing up non-Japanese immigrant workers in tourist kimonos and psudo kabuki make-up doing performances that vagely resemble traditional theatre, etc. I think you can picture some nightmare scenarios. maybe some of it is necessary to keep the doors open, but there reaches a limit when the historical accuracy is comprimised, and it becomes a cartoon.
best case scenario: They will hire consultants from Japan (or scholars who have lived and studied in Japan) in the respective fields for the concept design. For the Budo Arts: The styles and content of what will be demonstrated should be determined based upon old and new styles which were/are most commonly practiced in Japan...so no Western flash style XMA, etc.
Also, very important - separate culture sections for Okinawa and Ainu should be represented with equal authenticity. In short, it would be nice to see a more historically accurate depiction vs. one dimensional market-driven entertainment.
The reason for the thread: post your free ideas and suggestions as the best way to present this living museum.
Perhaps some of the suggestions in this thread could be made on our behalf by Mr. Caile and/or Mr. Grayston to the 'Japan Arena' suggestion box.
http://www.japanarena.org.uk/contactus.html
If the museum goes beyond concept, I think it is a good opportunity for people studying the Arts in the U.K. community to pitch in and give their 2 pence and see it true. You know us cousins over the pond are always willing to speak our minds.
Quote:
From your site Ed:Quote:
"London,U.K. - The proposal for a Martial Arts museum was declined early last month due to technicalities. The proposal described an exhibit depicting Martial Arts of all major and lesser-known styles complete with uniforms, weapons, forms and training practices. The proposal had to be abandoned due to the designers failing to account for the ventilation systems necessary to sustain the Martial Artists within the hermetically sealed display cases."
I heard a rumour that here are plans to install a museum section for Japanese things (including martial arts) in this venture:
http://www.japanarena.org.uk
very interesting. scaary how close what is intended as humor is to reality sometimes. now we need a name for this type of 'living museum' ... 'museumtainment'? no. how about 'exhibitation' or 'museum of living history'?
I think it's a good idea. The pitfall of course is if they display a western version of Japanese culture instead of the reality. Much like how hollywood distorts cultures and sometimes spread false impressions. This happens when the entertainment aspect overwhelms the historical aspect in an attempt to meet bottom line income flow goals. and THAT is driven by people choosing to be entertained vs informed. Lets face it, some things in history are just not sexy enough for public consumption. It takes a great deal of creativity to show history accurately while at the same time captivating audiences. The best things are the most difficult to do...it's worth it.
worst case: The UK will have a new Japanese-like theme park. selling everything from samurai icon keychains to cold sake in a plastic bottle. dressing up non-Japanese immigrant workers in tourist kimonos and psudo kabuki make-up doing performances that vagely resemble traditional theatre, etc. I think you can picture some nightmare scenarios. maybe some of it is necessary to keep the doors open, but there reaches a limit when the historical accuracy is comprimised, and it becomes a cartoon.
best case scenario: They will hire consultants from Japan (or scholars who have lived and studied in Japan) in the respective fields for the concept design. For the Budo Arts: The styles and content of what will be demonstrated should be determined based upon old and new styles which were/are most commonly practiced in Japan...so no Western flash style XMA, etc.
Also, very important - separate culture sections for Okinawa and Ainu should be represented with equal authenticity. In short, it would be nice to see a more historically accurate depiction vs. one dimensional market-driven entertainment.
The reason for the thread: post your free ideas and suggestions as the best way to present this living museum.
Perhaps some of the suggestions in this thread could be made on our behalf by Mr. Caile and/or Mr. Grayston to the 'Japan Arena' suggestion box.
http://www.japanarena.org.uk/contactus.html
If the museum goes beyond concept, I think it is a good opportunity for people studying the Arts in the U.K. community to pitch in and give their 2 pence and see it true. You know us cousins over the pond are always willing to speak our minds.
)
