LONDON -- Japan 2001, a major manifestation of Japanese culture in Britain, ends this spring. Consisting of more than 2,000 events large and small, it has had a significant impact and has helped to spread understanding of Japan among people throughout Britain.
It followed the highly successful Japan Festival in Britain in 1991 and the Great Edo Exhibition at the Royal Academy in 1981-82. In 1991 the British took the initiative, and the festival marked the centenary of the Japan Society in London. Last year the initiative came from the Japanese side. As in 1991, manifestations were backed by a wide range of official and commercial sponsors and organized by many dedicated individuals.
One of the aims of Japan 2001 was to dispel myths and misconceptions about Japanese culture and lifestyle that unfortunately still exist in Britain today. The emphasis has been on grass-roots contacts and people-to-people events. Many schools, for instance, put on Japan days. There have been conferences and seminars on a wide range of topics from the media to hospital architecture.