National Museum of Ethnology holds its 30th anniversary commemoration
In commemoration of the thirtieth year since the opening of the National Museum of Ethnology, a ceremony was held in its auditorium on 14th November.
After speeches from Director-General Makio Matsuzono and President of the National Institute for the Humanities Yoneo Ishii, Prince Akishino delivered a congratulatory address. This was followed by congratulatory messages from the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (read by Deputy Director-General of Minister's Secretariat, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Kanji Fujiki), the governor of Osaka prefecture (read by Vice-governor Toshio Yamato), and President of the Graduate University for Advanced Studies Keiichi Kodaira.
In his address, Dr. Matsuzono declared that we would like to make contributions socially by supporting practical activities such as international development cooperation, as well as by speaking out from the viewpoint of ethnology and cultural-anthropology concerning various issues in the rapidly changing world and Japan in the 21st century, with respect for the value and significance of fundamental studies of human cultures. He also reaffirmed his determination that the mission of the museum is to clearly present the results of ethnological and cultural-anthropological studies, as well as to live together with society in seeking generosity and sympathy toward different points of view.
At the congratulatory banquet in the entrance hall of the museum, President of Osaka University Kiyokazu Washida delivered a speech, and President of the Japanese Society of Cultural Anthropology Kenichi Sudo proposed a toast for everyone to share the joy of the occasion.
