Modern Art Paper Fan Exhibition Held by NPO in Japan

Copyright NPO Kaze

The Japanese non-profit organization Kaze (means wind) held the Fifth Modern Art Uchiwa Exhibition in Kyoto from July 6-25, 2010. The "uchiwa," a flat paper fan casually used in everyday life in Japan, originated in the old Japan and a charming uchiwa culture especially bloomed in the Edo period. Kaze and the artists who joined the exhibition with their works hope that people living in the 21st century will appreciate the environmental friendliness of traditional fans and also enjoy the colorful uchiwa culture.

When the wind blows at a speed of one meter per second, the apparent temperature drops by one degree Celsius. Uchiwa fans create wind at a speed of two meters per second, dropping the apparent temperature by two degrees Celsius. This will reduce electricity costs by 20 to 30 percent.

In the midst of global warming, Kaze started another project, the "Earth Friendly Wind by Uchiwa," in 2006, to reintroduce uchiwa fans as an item for daily life which have a minimal impact on the environment. As a part of this project, the NPO will donate Japanese uchiwa fans to mothers with small children who live in malaria prone areas in Africa and the South Pacific again this year.

Posted: 2010/10/24 06:00:15 AM