A headline recently in the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Munich's daily newspaper, for an article on an exhibition by the artist Hokusai, who makes woodcuts, read, "Japan remains foreign to Germans." Despite the multitude of cultural and economic connections, in Germany the superficial image of Japan moves back and forth between a frequently expressed admiration for the (actual or only alleged) calm the Zen-hardened Japanese display compared to the average German when faced by catastrophes, and a bewilderment concerning the enthusiasm – even on the part of adults – for Hello Kitty, CosPlay and manga. Different approaches exist in the area of culture as well, emphasized by the campaign "COOL JAPAN" initiated by diplomats and politicians with the theme of pop culture's explicit significance for how Japan views itself. The feelings of isolation, hopelessness and emptiness beyond every utopian design in both opening productions, with a focus on Japan, may be unsettling for local audiences. Are they typically Japanese, or have they also become accepted by societies in Central Europe? The discussion with the theatermakers Toshiki Okada and Daisuke Miura will center on these and other issues concerning the unknown and the inherent.
free admission
With: Toshiki Okada and Daisuke Miura (directors), Evelyn Schulz (Japan-Zentrum, LMU München), Marlene Weiss (Süddeutsche Zeitung), Heiner Faust (BMW Group), presented by Katja Schneider (LMU München) |