G8 Kyushu-Okinawa Summit Memorial Post Cards

"Bankoku Shinryo" (Bridge between Nations) The word "Bankoku Shinryo (Bridge between Nations)" is derived from the inscription on a bronze bell cast by the king of the Ryukyu Kingdom (the current Okinawa), which flourished as a trading base in East Asia about 500 years ago. King Sho Taikyu declared Ryukyu's prosperity and friendship with neighboring countries by inscribing the bell with the "Ryukyu Kingdom shall become the bridge between nations". The bell was hung in front of the Seiden Main Place of Shuri Castle and called "Bankoku Shinryo no Kane (Bridge Between Nations Bell)". After 500 years, the pride and wish inscribed on the bell rise again in Okinawa, the venue of the G8 Summit meeting.

"Bankoku Shinryo no Kane" is displayed in the Okinawa Prefecture Museum. A replica was placed in front of the Seiden Main Place of Shuri Castle. In the spirit of "Bankoku Shinryo no Kane", the venue of the Summit meeting in Okinawa was named "Bankoku Shinryokan".

Photo
Bankoku Shinryo no Kane
(Bridge between Nations Bell)
(designated by law as an Important Cultural Asset)

Bokunen Naka, born in 1953 on Izena Island of Okinawa, has taken up nature on Okinawa repeatedly as a theme of his woodblock printing. This is because nature has dynamic powers to heal and revive human beings. By using backside coloring on his woodblock printing, Bokunen express Okinawa's nature vividly, unrestrainedly and delicately. Bokunen has carried this motif through in his important works such as the "Bansho Rensa (Universe in Chain)"series, and in the design of the commemorative stamp for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Kyoto in 1997.

Bokunen starts his work with prayer. After being inspired with an image through prayer, he carves the image directly onto a block usually completing it within a few dozen minutes. In order to instantaneously capture the fleeting image of a constantly changing nature, he needs unusual concentration and carving speed. The "Bankoku Shinryo (Bridge between Nations)" series, under the theme of beautiful nature and the spirit of Okinawa, were also made using all his talents.

"Cape Busena"

2000
image size : 60.0 x 45.5cm
edition : 30
Woodblock printing

The cape is the gate to a coral forest where fishes dance in the light. Where fishermen believe the goddess sleeps at night.

"Coral Road"

2000
image size : 60.0 x 45.5cm
edition : 30
Woodblock printing

We must take care of this shining road. Our Forests of both land and sea assure our very lives.

"Breeze from the future"

2000
image size : 60.0 x 45.5cm
edition : 30
Woodblock printing

The shade of Adan trees catches and shelters the joyous breeze. The breeze seems to have come across the ocean from the future.

"Late Summer Sunset"

2000
image size : 60.0 x 45.5cm
edition : 30
Woodblock printing

Dragonflies in clusters indicate the coming of fall. The sunset becomes more beautiful and awesome.

"Shuri Castle"

2000
image size : 60.0 x 45.5cm
edition : 30
Woodblock printing

The inscription on the gate shows our pride as decorous people. When welcoming the world it is our most important mission.

"Choir of the Lions"

2000
image size : 60.0 x 45.5cm
edition : 30
Woodblock printing

The Statues of Shisa Lions are believed to bring us peace. The choir sounds beautifully when they sing as one.

"Dance of Peace"

2000
image size : 60.0 x 45.5cm
edition : 30
Woodblock printing

This is a dance done while bamboo castanets in harmony to celebrate peace. It appears as if blossoms are blooming as the beauties dance.

"Embraced by Fortune Trees"

2000
image size : 60.0 x 45.5cm
edition : 30
Woodblock printing

Fortune Trees embrace the generation of people in the village with whom they live. Even when typhoons hit the island, the trees stand quiet and strong.