Master Shiko Munakata and YASKAWA | "YASKAWA Mirai Club" | Supporting Robot Competition

It began in 1951 when the head of advertising's strong interest in prints created by Master Munakata culminated in a visit to the Master's studio in Ogikubo. That first encounter became a lifelong relationship as YASKAWA commissioned one Munakata piece after another to grace our facilities as well as our promotional magazines. Some of the Master's extraordinary pieces eventually evolved into a series of calendars.

Master Munakata was not a leading woodblock print artist in 1951, and, in fact, he was virtually unknown. However, he exhibited his piece "Nyonin Kanzeon" at the International Exhibition in Lugano, Switzerland that same year, and became the first Japanese artist ever to win the coveted top prize there. His print "Shaka Judaideshi" won the Grand Prix at the Sao Paolo International Art Exhibition in 1955, and a series of subsequent wins brought Master Munakata international acclaim. This was soon followed by widespread recognition in Japan as well. International fame never affected our relationship with the Master, and we are honored that he played such an invaluable role in our corporate history and culture over the years.

YASKAWA has been producing calendars displaying the works of Master Munakata since 1958. These calendars were sent out to customers at home and abroad, and they have always been extremely popular. Although countless calendars are produced in Japan today, not one of them has been dedicated continually to the works of one artist for so long.
The YASKAWA calendars are distinguished by extraordinary works of art derived from poetry penned by the Master himself. Another striking feature is that the true beauty and natural talent found in the original works were painstakingly reproduced by printing every stunning piece on handmade Japanese paper. Each piece can be removed from the original mounting, remounted and framed for years of enjoyment long after the calendar year has gone.

Many brilliant pieces have appeared in the YASKAWA calendars over the years, but the most notable calendars have to be the Kaido Series that began with the Nishi Kaido Munakata Woodblock Prints from 1971. These truly original collections were the result of close collaboration between Master Munakata and YASKAWA both in the planning and in the journey to gather the materials that were used.
No one was more enthusiastic about making the calendars truly great works of art than Master Munakata himself. He wanted others to draw from life, to enjoy beautiful scenery, and to experience the delicacies of provintial areas. The calendars make it clear that he wanted others to enjoy the journey as well.
Visit the Shiko Munakata Museum for details on the works and life of Master Munakata.

Nishi Kaido Munakata
Woodblock Prints
Hirato Yobiko no Saku

In commemoration of the 2005 90th anniversary of the company's foundation, the YASKAWA Mirai (Future) Club, a philanthropic association, was established within the company as an expression of our gratitude to our customers, shareholders, local community residents, and many others for their unwavering support over the years.
Membership consists of those employees of YASKAWA Electric or YASKAWA Group companies who support the Future Club's aims and voluntarily joined. They contribute a portion of their income to the Club on a regular basis, and the funds thus raised by the Club are offered for use in the support of health and welfare, youth, environmental protection, and tree planting.
Even though individual contributions are small, the fund will grow with the participation of the many. The Club encourages new membership with the aim of making greater contributions to society.