The Thrill of Anniversaries

The Tokyo Liszt Institute's "Rubik 80x50" exhibition, which honors both the 50th anniversary of the Rubik's Cube's invention and Ernő Rubik's 80th birthday, is on display until November 15, 2024. The exhibition "The Life and Legacy of Otto von Habsburg," created in collaboration with the Otto von Habsburg Foundation, is timely as this year marks the 20th anniversary of Hungary’s EU membership, the 35th anniversary of the border opening and the Pan-European Picnic, and the 155th anniversary of Hungarian-Japanese diplomatic relations. Princess Takamado Hisako, a representative of the Japanese imperial family, also visited the popular exhibition, which is on display until October 16.

The centerpiece of the Rubik 80x50 exhibition, created in partnership with MegaHouse Corporation, the Japanese distributor of the Rubik's Cube, is a roughly five-meter-wide and one-meter-high installation made of 3,333 Rubik's Cubes. Next to the installation is a panel exhibition highlighting Ernő Rubik's life and the creation of the Rubik's Cube. Among the displayed items is a retro Rubik’s Cube, a replica of the original made in 1974. The exhibition also features handcrafted works inspired by the Rubik’s Cube, including a piece by Kutaniyaki, one of Japan’s most famous porcelain manufacturers. One of the most popular pieces is the Chogokin Rubik’s Cube. The famous Japanese robot Chogokin first appeared in comic books in the same year, 1974, that the Rubik's Cube made its debut. The company that first released the robot has created a special edition to mark the 50th anniversary of the Rubik's Cube, in which the Chogokin robot can transform into a Rubik’s Cube and vice versa. This one-of-a-kind toy is currently on display only at the Tokyo Liszt Institute before going on sale in October. A children's section in the exhibition allows younger visitors to discover solutions to the well-known Hungarian puzzle. Thanks to the collaboration with the Japanese distributor, the institute will soon be spotlighted by the unveiling of the world’s smallest Rubik’s Cube in a Guinness World Record attempt aimed at highlighting the Hungarian origins of this globally renowned invention.

Otto von Habsburg's life and major achievements are chronicled in the book 99 Years, 99 Photos, which debuted on September 11 at the Hungarian Embassy in Tokyo. Following this, a roundtable discussion took place. The Minato Historical Museum's "The Life and Legacy of Otto von Habsburg" exhibition debuted on September 13. The exhibition highlights the global political career and accomplishments of the former heir apparent and European Parliament member. It particularly focuses on how Otto von Habsburg supported Japan's international relations with the transatlantic region after World War II, which strengthened the island nation's standing and reputation abroad and aided in the growth of political and economic cooperation. Princess Hisako Takamado, widow of Emperor Akihito's cousin and granddaughter-in-law of Emperor Taishō, represented the imperial family at the exhibition. After a private viewing, Márton Ugrósdy, Deputy State Secretary of the Prime Minister's Cabinet Office, and Georg von Habsburg officially opened the exhibition. The event was followed by an English-language conference titled The Life and Legacy of Otto von Habsburg. Georg von Habsburg shared a story with the audience about how his father used a Japanese pen for all his writing. He did this not only for the pen's outstanding quality but also so that, should it ever wear out, he would have a reason to visit Japan, a nation he particularly loved. A modest reception followed the opening of the exhibition, during which several Japanese universities expressed interest in hosting it on their campuses. The series of events received significant media coverage in Japan.