Exchange Japan 2012 is pleased to announce it has partnered with the East Asian Museum (östasiatiska Museet) in Stockholm. The partnership was conceived with the intent of organizing cultural events with a distinctly Japanese flavour during Nippon Week, held on 13 to 16 February , and will make use of the beautiful spaces of the the East Asian Museum on Skeppsholmen, located in the center of Stockholm. In addition, the project group is thrilled to be able to offer the guests of the events a private tour of the new and permanent Japanese exhibit, “Japan – Objects and images narrate.” The exhibit consists of artwork of various styles, a large part from the Edo period, and conveys an image of Japan from the 17th to the 19th century that includes religious practices, entertainment, the tea ceremony, and its increasing contacts with the outside world.

Also showcased at the East Asian Museum is the exhibit “The Middle Kingdom – Imperial China”, which through remains of jade trinkets, oracle bones, grave figurines, and the iconic blue-white Ming porcelain tells the intriguing tale of the China of old, stretching back through the ages to three thousand years ago. Also featured is the museum library, one of the premier repositories of Asian litterature in Europe.

Information about these exhibits and more can be found at the East Asian Museum website.

The project group for Exchange Japan 2012 is very pleased to welcome Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) as a sponsor for this year’s project. One of the leading companies within its field, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics specializes in delivering sustaniable and innovative shipping solutions to manufacturers of cars, heavy equipment and trucks. Having a large presence in Asia, and maintaining a dedicated Japan-Korea-China shipping service, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics has a vested interest in Asian markets in general, and Japan in particular. Proving to be a company of social responsibility, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics aided relief efforts during the tsunami of March 2011 by donating to the Red Cross. The project group for Exchange Japan 2012 is very proud to partner with Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics and will work diligently toward a fruitful relationship going forward. Visit their website here.

Exchange Japan 2012 is very proud to announce that it is the recipient of the Folke Bernadottes Minnesfond Scholarship. The scholarship is intended for international projects geared towards fostering cultural exchange between people from different countries and cultures. The project group wishes to extend our warmest gratitude to the foundation, and vows to redouble our efforts and ensure that this year’s Exchange Japan will be worthy of the honor this award has bestowed on our project.

Folke Bernadottes Minnesfond was founded in the immediate aftermath of the September 17 1948 assassination of Folke Bernadotte, for whom the foundation is named. Count Folke Bernadotte af Wisborg was stationed in Palestine as a mediator on behalf of the United Nations when he was gunned down by Jewish right-wing extremists in broad daylight. The extraordinary life and career of Folke Bernadotte is recounted in full on the foundations’s webpage, where further information on the history of the foundation, the applications process, and previous recipients can be found.