Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The Embassy of Hungary in Japan commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Rubik’s cube on Tuesday in Tokyo at an event showcasing various artworks inspired by the cube.

Well-known artists including Kengo Kuma, the architect who designed the new National Stadium of Japan, Motoko Ishii, a famous light artist, and Karin Kato, a contemporary dancer displayed their Rubik’s cube-oriented designs and performances. 

Princess Takamado of the Japanese imperial family also attended the event held at the Treehouse Hall in central Tokyo. 

“Through this Rubik Cube exhibition with Japanese artists, people can realize that the Hungarian cube eventually became globally popular and connected us altogether,“ Princess Takamado said. “This is exactly what diplomacy is all about.. and also can lead to world peace.”

Artworks inspired by the Rubik’s Cube were exhibited and most notable was a piece of furniture designed by renown architect Kengo Kuma. “It connects a small product to the big universe, much like the Rubik’s cube,” he told Arab News Japan. 

Ohi ware, and Shifune’s works were also in display. Executive chef Makoto Irie made cubic sweet snacks for the guests to taste and enjoy.

Ambassador of Hungary to Japan Norbert Palanovics told Arab News Japan that Japanese artists were invited by the embassy to create artworks inspired by the Rubik’s cube.

“The event was the introduction of the Rubik Cube Inspiration project.  The result is a fantastic collection of pieces of different works, from ceramics to calligraphy, from contemporary dance to furniture,” he said. 

“This project has been growing continuously and the works will be displayed at the Hungarian culture center in Tokyo,” ambassador Palanovics said.