Article: Looking at the big picture: in December last year the Basic Law on Promotion of Culture and Art came into effect, giving Japanese pause to consider the state of the arts in their country. We asked Hirayama Ikuo, the pre-eminent Japanese-style painter and president of Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, for his views on the matter. (Talking Business).

LOOK JAPAN: What is the present situation of art and culture in Japan? What effect might the Basic Law on Promotion of Culture and Art have on that?

HIRAYAMA IKUO: In this period of economic slowdown, there is no outstanding movement in general. There are a large number of activities in various fields, including fine arts, music and theater, but they are not that spectacular. Art is an essence of the times, the nation and the people, and new modes emerge when they are needed, irrespective of social trends. I believe that art is sparked not only in times of peace but also in turbulent times and at times of momentous change. Art is born with an uplifting of spirit ...

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