As part of SA History Week this year, JAFA presented a talk on the life of Adelaide-born rakugo story teller Henry Black in Transferring Democracy from Adelaide to Young Japan.

Munetaka Umehara, lecturer, translator and researcher of traditional Japanese arts and culture gave an illustrated presentation on the enthralling lives of John Black and son, Henry Black.

Thanks to all those who attended. Photos have been added below.

Photos

Transferring Democracy from Adelaide to Young Japan

John Reddie Black (1827 - 1880) took his wife and Adelaide-born son Henry James Black (1858 - 1924) to Japan just before the Meiji period (1868 - 1912) began, contributing to the development of democracy through the creation of a daily newspaper. Henry Black made his own political contributions through rakugo, the performing art of comic story telling.

This illustrated lecture will focus on the numerous ‘first things ever in Japan’, undertaken by the father and son. Presented in association with the Art Gallery of South Australia and the History Trust of South Australia.

Details

Where: Radford Auditorium, Art Gallery of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide

When: Saturday, 30 May, 1-2pm

Cost: FREE