On 24th April, Ms. Mehl, the first secretary of the embassy of the republic of Zambia, visited our office at Ikebukuro. She came interested in my work, and paid a visit to see them. We had great time talking together.
I knew the name of the country Zambia. Yet, I did not have clear images of the country, such as how it looks like, or what kind of people is living there. As the conversations went on, however, we found ourselves talking like friends who have known each other for a long time.
Zambia has Victoria Falls, one of the three great waterfalls in the world, and retains 60% of all the water in southern African area. People respect water, and treat water with a feeling of awe; they use water to purify themselves by putting water from their chin to face, and head, using their hands. The ritual is so similar to that of Japanese purification.
She expressed her wish to have my exhibition in Zambia. She even set the timing for this year or next year.
I feel that Africa is the last defense against environmental conservation for this entire planet. If Africa is urbanized like Tokyo, New York, or Paris, an eternal life for the earth will not be guaranteed. In order to keep the current situation, we ought to know what we have to right now.
Zambian people should recognize the importance of their fresh air and lively water in order to support the future of the earth. People from the city, like Tokyo, New York, or Paris, have to tell Zambian that the things they have right now are the best. Because, no so-called “developed” cities can get back the beauty of it any longer.
