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Honda Sponsoring Yasuo Kuniyoshi Exhibit at Smithsonian

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Honda has announced that it will be partnering with the Smithsonian American Art Museum to present “The Artistic Journey of Yasuo Kuniyoshi,” an exhibit celebrating the career of the famed Japanese-American modernist painter. Honda is touting the exhibit as the first domestic, comprehensive overview of the artist’s work in over 65 years.

Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Self-Portrait, 1918

Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Self-Portrait, 1918

Sixty-six of Kuniyoshi’s pieces will be on display.

Yasuo Kuniyoshi migrated to the United States in 1906, and although he was named an “enemy alien” after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he engaged in various pro-American activities throughout WWII. Kuniyoshi found great success and acclaim as an American painter, photographer, and printmaker.

Honda sees similarities between its own success story and Kuniyoshi’s.

In 1959, the company began selling motorcycles at a storefront shop in Los Angeles, and the success of that enterprise led to the introduction of automobiles, and eventually, the huge US presence that the Japanese automaker enjoys today.

“Like Kuniyoshi-san, our journey in America is built on what we call ‘The Power of Dreams,'” said Takuji Yamada, president of Honda North America. “These dreams inspire us to create innovative products that enhance human mobility, and ultimately, benefit society.”

“The Artistic Journey of Yasuo Kuniyoshi” is on display now at the Smithsonian Art Museum, and runs through August 30, 2015. You can find additional information about the exhibit here.