Japan As Seen By GADO

Kenya Tue 26-02-2008

Japan As Seen By GADO
By Margaret Masaba/AfricanColours.com

The Japan Information and Culture Centre, in conjunction with United States International University (USIU) in Nairobi, held an exhibition titled ‘Japan as seen by Gado’. Gado is the renowned Tanzanian born but Kenyan based cartoonist – who for years had done the editorial cartoons for the Daily Nation Newspapers.

Like most of his other works, the cartoons were funny and witty, depicting how Gado saw and interpreted life in Japan while he visited the Far Eastern country some time last year.

The exhibition ran from the13th through to 19th of February 2008. On display were not only cartoons but also pictures Gado took to support his cartoon impressions and give context to his thinking and reasoning.

There were pictures of beautifully designed Japanese houses, showing landscapes with magnificent views and tranquil environments all reflecting the beauty of Japan.

Gado did not lose a moment to show his hilarious side. Take for instance a photo he had taken with a Chinese woman who seemed like his tour guide showing Gado, wildlife. While she explained that dears are sacred in Miyajima and Japan, Gado on the on the other hand had a cartoon showing him envisioning roasting the dear but only if he was back at home.

Here, Gado was successful in making the audience relate to his way of thinking, hence making a connection.

The most emphasis from the entire show was placed on the beauty of diverse cultures. The show brought home the fact that it is important not to forget our roots or where we came from, that culture is what defines us.

It is paramount that we shouldn’t despise traditions not similar to ours, but find ways of sharing with the rest of the world in order to find the beauty that’s within. A lesson that perhaps Kenya can embrace and apply in dealing with each other?

Not to miss the opportunity to showcase Japan for what it is best known: Toys and gadgets, Gado illustrates an occasion where he goes to a toy shop to buy a present for the family before he returns back home.

He asks the shop attendant “How much is this robot? Then the robot responds saying “Can you afford me?” After that he shows a picture of himself in utter disbelief, shocked that a toy could speak.

What interests me most when it comes to Gado’s work is the incorporation of experiences lived by many Kenyans who have traveled in different parts of the world. Gado revealed family values demonstrated in one of the photos taken, showing a Japanese family having a meal together.

He draws a cartoon visualizing of a mouthwatering, well-fried Tilapia fish- this kinds of fish are basically found in the Lake Victoria region, Nyanza province in Kenya, which is a delicacy back home and at the same time dreading to eat the Japanese food that looked out of the ordinary.

Gado also Attempts to show the other side of the coin: How the Japanese view the Kenya and or African culture. Most Japanese still think of Africa-Kenya as people still living in an animal farm or a Garden of Eden where man is surrounded by wild animals and that there is still no awareness or any form of civilisation.

He drew the Japanese line of thought where they pictured Gado surrounded by wild animals, half naked! This is an interesting view that makes us aware that we shouldn’t judge other cultures harshly and vice versa.

Gado’s trip to Japan opened new revelations of how Kenyans and other African countries should strive as much to teach their young ones about their culture so as to maintain it since its slowly fading away.

There was a photo that showed different kinds of sports that the Japanese engage themselves in, like for example children being taught Karate, the old and young enjoying sumo wrestling too.

This time in Sumo wrestling, Gado pictures himself in the circle with the typical huge, big man who is apparently supposed to wrestle him out of the circle. Knowing how impossible it was for him to carry ‘Yokozuna’ out of the circle, Gado sports a scared look, for he is as thin as a sheet of paper and the possibility of him, being lifted with a mere hand by ‘Yokozuna’ is daunting.

Gado did a brilliant job He touched on many areas of life bringing an interaction of cultures through politics, sports, and also environmental issues. I hope he is planning on another exhibition!

Posted By: AfricanColours

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