The exhibition, featuring the curated artworks from Japan Tobacco International Bangladesh, will be open to the public from 16 to 21 June 2023 at the Annex Building, Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, Baridhara, Dhaka.

The art exhibition “Godai: The Harmony of Elements” featuring artworks from a diverse list of celebrated artists including Mahmudul Haque, Monirul Islam, Tayeba Begum Lipi, Anisuzzaman Anis, Rokeya Sultana, and many more.

Honorable Advisor Salman Fazlur Rahman MP said, “Japan has been a true and time-tested friend of Bangladesh and has supported development across multiple sectors including the arts and culture. This exhibition further illustrates the cultural and fraternal ties between the two countries. I applaud JTI Bangladesh for this initiative and look forward to strengthening the ties between the two friendly nations.”

His Excellency Iwama Kiminori said, “During the visit of HPM Sheikh Hasina to Japan, in the Japan-Bangladesh Joint Statement on Strategic Partnership, the importance of “Expansion of Cultural Cooperation and People-to-People Exchanges” was emphasized. I think the cultural exchange between Japan and Bangladesh will be a very effective instrument in strengthening bilateral relations.”

Paul Holloway, Managing Director, JT International Bangladesh said, “We have been celebrating Bangladeshi artists with a Japanese connection since our inception, through the landmark investment in 2018. We also held an art exhibition last year to celebrate 50 years of Japan-Bangladesh Friendship and support the learning of Japanese language in Bangladesh. We hope to continue investing in Japanese culture in Bangladesh.”

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by guests from the government, business, art, media, and many other dignitaries in Bangladesh.

Godai is a well-adapted philosophy in Japan that describes the formative elements of the universe: Chi (Earth), Sui (Water), Ka (Fire), Fu (Wind), and Ku (Void). Each of these elements in Japanese culture represents a certain tendency in the world - physical, spiritual, and personal. JT International Bangladesh Limited curated its art collection to reflect these universal elements, which correspond to its guiding principles and operational activities. The exhibition will also pay tribute to the printmaking and art maestro Mahmudul Haque.

16-17 June : 15:00-20:00

18 June : 10:00-17:00

19-21 June : 10:00-19:00