The “Evangelion and Japanese Swords” Exhibition in Paris and Madrid

The Japan Foundation proudly presents the widely acclaimed “Evangelion and Japanese Swords” exhibition to audiences in Paris, France and Madrid, Spain.

For this project, Japanese swordsmiths from around the country have challenged to recreate the world of the popular animation’s film series Evangelion: New Theatrical Edition. Using traditional artisan skills, the swordsmiths produced the Japanese swords that represent the key weapons in the tale, such as the “Lance of Longinus,” “Bizen Osafune,” and the “Magoroku Sword.” Other new creations on exhibit include Japanese swords inspired by the Evangelion series and its characters. Featuring 20 of these items, the exhibition also showcases five fine swords from ancient times, sword mountings, a life-size figure of EVA-01 Test Type, and reproductions of the original drawings from the film series.

<Paris, France>

Dates:	April 30 - June 21, 2014
Venue:	Maison de la culture du Japon à Paris

<Madrid, Spain>

Dates:	July 5 - September 28, 2014
Venue:	Museo ABC (ABC Museum)

Organizers: The Japan Foundation (Maison de la culture du Japon à Paris), Museo ABC (Spain)
In Cooperation with: Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum, All Japan Swordsmith Association Operation Department, GroundWorks: Co., Ltd.
Sponsored by ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS CO., LTD.

Displayed works:

Illustrated by Ikuto Yamashita
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• 20 works including swords and lances created with inspiration from the animation’s film series Evangelion: New Theatrical Edition
• Swords, koshirae1 (sword mountings), tsuba (sword guards), and tsukamae2 (sword handle wrappings) from Kamakura to Edo period, and others
• Life-size figures and reproductions of the original drawings from Evangelion : New Theatrical Edition, and many more

Lectures by a curator of the Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum and sword-making demonstrations by swordsmiths will be held during the course of the exhibition.

1 koshirae: This refers to mountings of a Japanese sword and includes the handle, sword guard, and scabbard.
2 tsukamae: This refers to the handle alone, unattached to the koshirae. It is wrapped by materials such as sharkskin, plaited thread, and leather string.

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[Contact]

The Japan Foundation
Europe, Middle East and Africa Section, Arts and Culture Dept.
Persons in charge: Nakajima (Ms.), Nagata (Ms.)
Tel: +81-(0)3-5369-6063
Email: Q_europe_mideast_africa＠jpf.go.jp
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