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Beginning at the Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum in Okayama, the Evangelion and Japanese Swords Exhibition has traveled throughout Japan since 2012 and it’s now heading to Europe. This spring, the popular exhibit will beginning touring through Europe. The first stop will be the Japan Foundation Paris Japanese Cultural Center in Paris, France from April 30 to June 21. From there, it will travel to the ABC Museum in Madrid, Spain from July 5 to Sept. 28. Due to Japanese pop culture being popular in these locations, the exhibit is expected to draw huge crowds.
The Evangelion and Japanese Swords Exhibition features swords crafted by swordsmiths nationwide that are based on the world of Rebuild of Evangelion. There are roughly 20 swords on display that were inspired by the characters and world of the series. The exhibit has given birth to the Lance of Longinus and other weapons important to the series that were crafted using traditional techniques. The high technical sense of these swords will impress many, not just anime fans.
In addition to these swords, the Paris and Madrid exhibits will also feature sword equipment and parts from five famous, time-honored Japanese swords including blades, guards, hilts, and handles created by swordsmiths from the Kamakura to the Edo period. Also on display will be a life-size Eva Unit-01 figure and originally drawn cardboard cutouts.
There will also be lectures from curators of the Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum and demonstrations by craftsmen. This unique event will collectively introduce Japan’s traditional and pop cultures. Because it’s a novel and daring exhibit, it will be interesting to see the reception it receives in Europe.
Paris, France
Time Period: 4/30/2014 - 6/21/2014
Venue: Japan Foundation Paris Japanese Cultural Center
Madrid, Spain
Time Period: 7/5/2014 - 9/28/2014
Venue: ABC Museum
Sponsor: The Japan Foundation (Paris Japanese Cultural Center), ABC Museum (Spain)
Source: animeanime
Source article written by Yushi Makari