KARACHI, Jan 27: The post-World War II image of Japan that has emerged is largely that of an economic powerhouse driven by the electronics, automobile and technology industries. However, as the calendars currently on display at the Japan Cultural Centre at the consulate-general of Japan in Karachi prove, this nation’s stunning, unparalleled natural beauty often goes unnoticed on the global stage.

The calendars’ exhibition does a great job of bringing Japan to those who have not been to the Land of the Rising Sun, displaying various facets of Japanese life and culture through stunning photography and illustrations. Around 70 Japanese calendars of different companies and organisations have been put on display.

There is a calendar full of stunning shots of Japanese gardens from the ancient imperial capital of Kyoto. The exquisite landscaping, rustic stone lanterns and carefully designed streams show that great care and stellar aesthetic sense are responsible for these masterpieces of horticulture. Those with an interest in gardening will especially appreciate the scenes of gardens during different seasons.

Calendars which show flowers blooming in the Japanese countryside also make for riveting viewing, as do the calendars featuring Ikebana, or the art of flower arranging and Bonsai, the craft of dwarfing trees and shrubs. Both these Japanese arts have quite a dedicated following in Karachi and exhibitions have been happening with some regularity now.

But it is the section titled ‘Seasons of Japan’ that takes the cake, for the calendars displayed under this banner not only give you a geographical tour of the Japanese archipelago, they also show you the beauty of the four seasons Providence has so indulgently manifested on this land mass.

Towering Mt Fuji – perhaps the most instantly recognisable symbol of the land the Japanese themselves call Nippon – is a delight to view in the soft, pale pink light of dawn. In another scene snow covers the whole of a hillside while shades of verdant green peek out from the virgin whiteness. In yet another view, mist is slowly creeping up towards houses remotely nestled on a hillside. An alternative view of the mighty Mt Fuji is seen from the still waters of Lake Ashino in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Mt Zao, another of Japan’s volcanic mountains, though not as impressive as Fuji, holds its own as seen from the Shiroishi River in Miyagi Prefecture. Other mountain vistas include Mt Meakan and Mt Akan-Fuji in Hokkaido. Scenery from Nagano, Gumma and Oita prefectures is also displayed.

However, perhaps no exhibition on Japan would be complete without the cherry blossom tree – another evergreen Japanese symbol – and sure enough in this exhibition it can be seen in all its resplendent glory, in full bloom.

Scenery one would not expect to see in Japan is also displayed, such as a lighthouse seemingly transplanted from the Mediterranean, as well as exotic palms planted on cliffs above tranquil azure waters.

In the sports section, there is only a calendar featuring Formula One race cars. One expected perhaps images of sumo wrestlers or Japanese martial arts.

The calendar displaying some of the world heritage sites located in Japan is also dazzling. The picture of Gassho-zukuri type farmhouses in snow from Gifu Prefecture is so magically surreal it could have been taken from the pages of a fairy-tale. The monuments of Kyoto and Yakushima Island, or ‘the Alps on the Ocean’, are other memorable vistas from this calendar, while the snow-covered medieval Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture would give Europe’s best castles a run for their money.

But the Japanese have been quite gracious and along with their own heritage, the wonders of the world’s other cultures have also been given space. One even finds what looks to be a shot of the exterior of Thatta’s Shah Jahani mosque (the captions were in Japanese), along with photos featuring the intricate art-work of what seemed to be the interior of an Ottoman mosque in Istanbul and what looked like a Fatimid mosque in Cairo.

Other calendars include ‘Beauty of islands’ and ‘From the skies above Japan’, featuring panoramic bird’s-eye views. Large wall calendars display ladies dressed in the elegant kimono, while another calendar features exquisite illustrations of different kimono designs. There are also calendars featuring children, the works of Japanese artists and one even dedicated to Japanese food, complete with recipes.

Of course, an exhibition on Japanese culture would be incomplete without the famous ‘bullet train,’ or shinkansen. Fans of the train can rest assured as there are several calendars on display dedicated to not only the bullet train but to older and much slower models as well.

Full marks to the organisers, for one was expecting the neon skies and blazing boulevards of Ginza or Dotonbori and other vistas from modern Japan. But what one found made one realise what the poet who said Agar firdaus bi ruh-i-zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin ast (if paradise is to be found on Earth, it is here, it is here, it is here) was talking about.

The exhibition is open till Jan 30 from 10am to 4pm.—QAM