From February 7 to April 19, 2014 the Josai University Mizuta Museum of Art will be holding the exhibition “A Collection of Israeli Tableware: Around a Dinner Table” with the support of the Embassy of Israel in Japan and the cooperation of Design Museum Holon. On February 6, Minister to Japan Peleg Pablo Lewi (on behalf of Ambassador of Israel to Japan Ruth Kahanoff) visited the Sakado Campus where an opening ceremony was held to commemorate the exhibit.
　 This exhibit displays impressive pieces from 21 different young designers and studios selected from the tableware collection at the Design Museum Holon in Israel, whose design work has attracted much attention in recent years for its superior artistry and contemporary global appeal.

Chancellor Noriko Mizuta, speaking at the opening ceremony, said, “After becoming close with the Embassy of Israel in Japan during the tree planting ceremony commemorating Mr. Raoul Wallenburg that took place at Josai International University on October 26, 2012, it is a great honor to receive their blessing to host this marvelous exhibition. I would be very pleased if, through this exhibit that collects approximately 20 works, visitors would come to appreciate the charm of the new Israel. It is my hope that more and more students from Israel will consider studying abroad in Japan.”
　 Minister Lewi followed Chancellor Mizuta in saying, “It is thanks to Israel’s introduction to Josai University that we can bring you this exhibit today. In Israel, the most important part of the home is the kitchen, with the most vital place being the dinner table where family members gather together. This dinner table serves as an important tool for communication.”
　 The opening attracted many esteemed guests―including assistant director of the Holocaust Education Center, Japan, Akio Yoshida; president of the Japan Israel Friendship Association, Tetsu Akiyama; representatives from the Sakado Open Garden; high school instructors; members of local industry; and representatives from the Apartment Owners Association― to share an appreciation of these unique works of art.

In connection with this exhibit, the museum also displayed nine modern and contemporary Japanese prints, including the ukiyo-e of Chōshun Miyagawa, which are part of the Mizuta family collection donated to the university in 2013.
　 Afterward the guests visited the Seiko Mizuta Memorial Rose Garden that opened in October 2013, as part of the 30th anniversary of the founding of Josai Base College and the 40th anniversary of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and admired the six rose plants known as “Souvenir de Anne Frank” that were donated by the Holocaust Education Center.

At the reception that followed, President Akiyama of the Japan Israel Friendship Association remarked that, “It is with great pride that we are able to present an exhibit such as this that reveals the talent of the young generation from Israel, a nation with thousands of years of rich history.”
　 Next, a certificate of thanks was presented to Assistant Director Yoshida of the Holocaust Education Center for their rose garden donation.
　 Finally, a meal of steamed sea bream, corn soup, sweet and sour chicken, Chinese style almond jelly, a chiffon cake known as “pofa” (meaning “cheek” in Hungarian), and other delicacies prepared by students from the Department of Clinical Dietetics and Human Nutrition decorated the table.

We are hoping that this most recent exhibition will help to deepen Josai’s relations with Israel even further.