Risa Sugawara, Terumi Kanewaka and Masaki Sato receive gold prizes in the Unification Church of Japan's Chuwa-Culture Exhibition

Gaku Makise
October 4, 1988

Beautiful calligraphy works of both free and given themes.

The third Chuwa-Culture Exhibition was held in the headquarters of the Unification Church of Japan from September 30, to October 4, 1988. The exhibition was established in 1986 to help to create and promote the new age culture of true love.

In Father's sermon, "The Heart of Reunion" (1974), we can find the meaning and goal of the "Chuwa-Culture": "Unless each of you can draw good elements from others, you cannot survive to grow in the springtime. The whole point is how to create one indestructible seed. When the spring culture of the ideal world comes, I would like to name it 'Chung-Wha' (in Japanese, Chuwa), which means 'One Central Harmony' or 'Central Peace.' Are you ready to become the essence of central harmony? History is advancing toward one spring culture of the Kingdom of God on earth."

For this exhibition numerous beautiful works were gathered from Japan, Asia, America, Europe, and Africa. There were many sections, including photography, paintings and pictures, calligraphy, videos, novels, fairy tales, haiku, anka, and music. In each section, judges' evaluated works divided into two groups: those with a free theme and those with a given theme.

The quality of the works improves each year. Several in particular are worth special mention: the photograph "Fish" by Mr. Kenich Mori received the gold prize in the photo section last year; a colored textile work entitled "Three stages of Growth" by Mrs. Risa Sugawara received the gold prize in the picture section; and the work of Mr. Terumi Kanewaka, who wrote Father's words on Japanese paper, won the gold prize in the calligraphy section. In the novel section, the work Live Together, by Mr. Masaki Sato, also received a gold prize. The theme was centered upon "the spirit of living for others in give and take action" and was nicely written to catch the readers' hearts. The song, "The Melody of the New Love and Light" by Mr. Hisashi Suzuki, whose desire is to compose the new theme song of the Unification Church, won the gold prize in the music section. This song was recognized for the harmony of its writing, melody, and performance. All of these attractive works pleased and impressed many visitors.

Many visitors come and appreciate the artwork.

The chairman of the executive committee, Mr. Tateo Yamaoka, said, the works gathered here were all created in the midst of hard work to accomplish God's will. In them, we find evidence of the faith of brothers and sisters whose hearts are filled with love toward God and humanity. Unless culture has love toward God and human beings at its foundation, it is limited to a certain period and certain area, with no eternity or universality."

It is hoped that more works from Japan and abroad will be offered for the next exhibition. Brothers and sisters are encouraged to send their contributions. Your sincerity in creating the new art culture centered upon Father's vision, even in the midst of dedication to God's will, is greatly appreciated. It is very valuable to leave behind artistic works representing what we have learned from the Principle and our life of faith.