Mayu Fujikawa

Dr. Mayu Fujikawa, an art historian specializing in Italian Renaissance art, delves into the fascinating diplomatic history of Japan's early embassies in Europe. She explores how European artists depicted these ambassadors, examining the cultural significance of their attire and gifts as tools of soft diplomacy. Fujikawa highlights the unique roles of visual materials in shaping public perception and details the unique challenges faced in representing Japanese culture abroad. She also shares insights into her future project on the culinary exchanges of the Tenshō embassy.