Visitors view selected photographs by Japanese ethnographic photographer, travel writer and ethnologist Yuzo Morita at the ‘Time Travel to Nagaland 1979’ photo exhibition inaugurated at the Directorate of Art & Culture, Kohima on September 12. (Morung Photo)
NMoE Japan houses 249 artefacts related to Naga people
Morung Express News
Kohima | September 16
As a follow up of the ‘Statement of Cooperation’ signed on August 5, 2025, between the National Museum of Ethnology (NMoE) Osaka, Japan, and the Nagaland State Museum, Department of Art & Culture, selected images by Japanese ethnographic photographer, travel writer & ethnologist, Yuzo Morita are being exhibited at the Directorate of Art & Culture under the theme, “Time Travel to Nagaland.”
Yuzo Morita, who is 86 years old now, had travelled extensively throughout Nagaland in 1979 and in the course of his travel, captured many images of people, landscapes, rituals and culture that reflect the past of rhe Nagas, exemplifying the cultural legacy that continue to shape the Naga identity.
The National Museum of Ethnology, Japan houses 249 artefacts related to Naga people. These include items presented to Yuzo Morita by the people of Nagaland during his visit in 1979. Many of the items in the collection are shawls and ornaments, including necklaces and headdresses.
Addressing the inaugural programme at the Museum Annexe Courtyard on September 16, Advisor to Art & Culture and Treasuries & Accounts, K Konngam Konyak termed it as a “special exhibition because it allows us to look back at Nagaland through the photographs of the Japanese photographer Yuzo Morita, who visited our State in 1979.”
He said that the photographs “capture our people, our traditions, our everyday life, our landscapes and aspects of our cultural life as they were more than four decades ago.”
Stating that they are not simply old photographs but are records of our cultural memory, he remarked that, “this initiative is also a reflection of the growing collaboration between the Nagaland State Museum and the National Museum of Ethnology, Osaka.”
He said that the partnership provides valuable opportunities for cultural exchange, research, documentation and the sharing of knowledge.
Highlighting that the collaboration extends beyond the photography exhibition, he said that it includes a series of lectures besides the launch of two important digital resources, “the Database of Naga Collection at the National Museum of Ethnology, Osaka, and the Digital Archives of Mr Morita’s Photography Collection.”
These digital initiatives, he added, will help make valuable cultural and photographic resources more accessible for research, education and future generations.
Further stating that, “for us, preserving heritage is not only about preserving photographs and records”, he underlined that, “it is about preserving the memories, knowledge and stories associated with them, and ensuring that they continue to reach our younger generation.”
Bridging Japan & Nagaland: Friendship, Culture, Learning
In her welcome address, Bodeno S Colo, NCS, Commissioner & Secretary, Art & Culture noted that, “these photographs are more than images of the past. They are valuable visual records of our cultural heritage and offer an opportunity for present generations to reconnect with aspects of our traditions, communities and way of life.”
Further stating that it reflects the spirit of friendship, cultural exchange and scholarly cooperation between Japan and Nagaland, she exuded hope that they would be able to go down memory lane, and identify loved ones, familiar faces and places who have been beautifully captured 47 years ago.
“May this exhibition inspire meaningful conversations between the past and the present, and strengthen our shared commitment to preserving, understanding and celebrating cultural heritage”, she added.
Adela Moa, Director, Art & Culture and Emi Okada, Associate Professor, NMoE, Osaka, Japan gave a brief overview during the inauguration while folk performances were presented by Rüsokhrie Krotho, Kohima Village and Pochury Cultural Troupe, Kohima and N. Thungchano Yanthan, Additional Director, Art & Culture proposed the vote of thanks.
The exhibition is open to public and will continue till September 19.
The National Museum of Ethnology, Osaka, Japan, widely known as Minpaku, is a research institution, established in 1974 and possesses the world’s largest ethnological collection and operates a museum that collects and exhibits materials relating to cultures and societies around the world and houses approximately 345,000 items, including everyday items, ethnic costumes as well as approximately 800 video programs showcasing rituals, performing arts, and lifestyles around the world.
