The 20th century witnessed two world wars, during which many countries suffered what is known as "strategic bombing": major air raids on cities aimed at destroying the nation's economic ability and public spirit.
Tokyo suffered the Operation Meetinghouse air raid by the U.S military on the night of March 10, 1945, which reportedly claimed 100,000 lives. Having narrowly escaped death during that bombing, artist Yuichi Inoue was found unconscious among the corpses. He went on to memorialize the tragedy by recounting his experience in calligraphy-style pieces.
This exhibition features works that depict those war-ravaged cities — including Tokyo, Guernica in Spain and Rotterdam in the Netherlands — as well as works that express the pain of the people as they desperately prayed for peace; Jan. 19-March 24.
The Museum of Modern Art, Gunma; (027) 346-5560; 992-1 Watanukimachi, Takasaki, Gunma; Kuragano Station, Takasaki Line. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. ¥500. Closed Mon. (except Feb. 11), Feb. 12. mmag.pref.gunma.jp/english.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.