USM PENANG, 10 October 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through the Muzium & Galeri Tuanku Fauziah (MGTF) and the School of the Arts, in collaboration with The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur, officially launched the “Ukiyo-e: The Art of Japanese Print” exhibition at the MGTF today.

The exhibition is indicative of Japan’s long-standing arts and culture heritage, showcasing Ukiyo-e prints, a traditional Japanese art form often referred to as the “Floating World.”

The Consul-General of Japan in Penang, H.E. Mr. Machida Shinya officiated the opening, describing the exhibition as “a bridge of beauty,” moving us from the beauty of Japan to the sway and embrace of Malaysia.

Machida, in his speech, noted that the Ukiyo-e prints include the spirit of Japanese life throughout Japan’s Edo period and are timeless art forms that could inspire societies throughout the world.

“These prints were the pop culture at the time, filled with humour, beauty, and of the vibrancy of everyday people,” he said. “I hope this exhibition will inspire students and artists, and all those who attend, and strengthen the bonds of friendship between Japan and Malaysia.”

The exhibition offers an opportunity to view the works of two of Japan's top Ukiyo-e painters, Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige, whose prints of landscapes uniquely illustrate the strength of nature and the expressive beauty of travel during the Edo period in Japan.

Machida also acknowledged that Ukiyo-e had a rich influence on Western artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Degas, initiating the development of Japonisme.

Meanwhile, Professor Dato' Gs. Dr. Narimah Samat, Exercising the Function of the USM Vice-Chancellor, expressed her gratitude for the collaboration, emphasizing that cultural exchanges such as this exhibition foster deeper mutual understanding and creativity particularly among students and artists.

“USM is deeply grateful to The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur for their generous grant in support of our research and exhibition.

“This collaboration exemplifies the powerful synergy between an international cultural institution and a university in creating enriching and educational experiences for the community,” she added.

Curated by Associate Professor Dr. Safrizal Shahir from USM’s School of the Arts, the exhibition blends art, history, and cultural engagement, highlighting the enduring friendship between Japan and Malaysia.

The exhibition held from 3 – 25 October 2025, invites the public to explore and appreciate a broader cultural dialogue through the lens of art and education.

Also present at the launching ceremony were the Director of Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur, Mr. Tsukamoto Norihisa; and USM MGTF Director, Dr. Tetriana Ahmed Fauzi.

Text: Muhammad Airul Afzan Azlan, student intern@MPRC/Photo: Shahnizam Ab Rahim