Report: 150 years since the Meiji Restoration event at Durham University Oriental Museum
2018/6/21
On Monday the 18th of June an event was held at the Durham University Oriental Museum, as part of a series of exhibitions commemorating 150 years since the Meiji Restoration.
The event began with a lecture from Dr Oleg Benesch, Professor of East Asian History at the University of York, concerning the evolution of the concept of castles and samurai not only in Japan but across the world also.
Following the lecture, speeches were given by the Head of the Museum Dr Craig Barclay and the Consulate General Daisuke Matsunaga both expressed the continued importance of deepening the connection between Northeast England and Japan.
Shortly after, the Shoudai Ryu group gave a performance wielding “live” blades, with each weapon’s own historical importance explained after the demonstration.
The main exhibition was planned by Masters students, allowing for guests to not only enjoy the exhibits, but also provided an opportunity to learn about Meiji era Japan.
The event began with a lecture from Dr Oleg Benesch, Professor of East Asian History at the University of York, concerning the evolution of the concept of castles and samurai not only in Japan but across the world also.
Following the lecture, speeches were given by the Head of the Museum Dr Craig Barclay and the Consulate General Daisuke Matsunaga both expressed the continued importance of deepening the connection between Northeast England and Japan.
Shortly after, the Shoudai Ryu group gave a performance wielding “live” blades, with each weapon’s own historical importance explained after the demonstration.
The main exhibition was planned by Masters students, allowing for guests to not only enjoy the exhibits, but also provided an opportunity to learn about Meiji era Japan.
