"Pictures of Hope" is an exhibition of 420 pictures drawn by the child victims of the recent disaster-stricken areas of Tohoku and China. The traveling exhibit has been on display at Sendai Airport in Miyagi Prefecture since July 12th, 2014. Last year, the exhibition was held at the Water Cube (Shuilifang) National Swimming Center in Beijing with 280 pictures drawn by Japanese children. In China, the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake caused a huge number of casualties,thus the pictures and letters expressing hope and thanks from the children of Japan deeply touched Chinese people's hearts. Despite the children's bitter experiences, the pictures are filled with strength and bright colors, conveying heart-to heart messages for everyone. No wonder there were interviews for CCTV and Radio International China were widely broadcast by about thirty media outlets in China. In 2014, the exhibition will be held in three cities in Tohoku with an increased number of pieces, including 130 pictures and messages created by the children of China.
Mr. Yasuyuki Sakai, an organizer of this event, is the forefront film producer of “ARTS TECH” and a photographer. He also devotes himself in volunteer work to help children making films which introduce their schools in disaster-hit areas in Tohoku. He says that there is no commercialized sponsorship of this exhibition because he respects the purity and sense of honesty in children. He believes that cultural-exchange activities like this event will strengthen mutual friendships between the two countries.
The displays are now taking place at Sendai Airport until July 31, 2014 in the center lobby just between domestic and international arrivals on the first floor. The exhibition will also be held in two other cities in Tohoku, at CrossTerrace Morioka in Iwate Prefecture (from August 11 to August 21) and then at Fukushima Airport (from August 23 to September 7) in Fukushima Prefecture. If you are passing through these airports or traveling Tohoku this summer, please spare a small amount of time and see the “Pictures of Hope” exhibition at one of the three Tohoku venues. Find drawings and letters filled with hope and wonderful messages from the children of China and Japan!
