Artist poses question of how people can work together

Artist poses question of how people can work together

VENICE, Italy - Photo taken May 30, 2013, shows Koki Tanaka standing in front of the Japan Pavilion at the Venice Biennale's International Art Exhibition. Tanaka was awarded a special mention for his presentation of works in Italy's 55th biennial prestigious event of contemporary arts.

Japanese artist recognized in Venice Biennale

Japanese artist recognized in Venice Biennale

VENICE, Italy - Japanese contemporary artist Koki Tanaka (R) poses for photos after his work titled "abstract speaking -- sharing uncertainty and collective acts" received a special mention by the jury of the International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale in Italy on June 1, 2013. It is the first time for an exhibition at the Japanese pavilion to win the award at the Venice art event, which has been held since 1895. At left is Mika Kuraya, chief curator of the Department of Fine Arts at the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, who served as the curator of the Japanese pavilion at the Venice exhibition.

Japanese artist recognized in Venice Biennale

Japanese artist recognized in Venice Biennale

VENICE, Italy - Japanese contemporary artist Koki Tanaka (R) poses for photos after his work titled "abstract speaking -- sharing uncertainty and collective acts" received a special mention by the jury of the International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale in Italy on June 1, 2013. It is the first time for an exhibition at the Japanese pavilion to win the award at the Venice art event, which has been held since 1895. At left is Mika Kuraya, chief curator of the Department of Fine Arts at the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, who served as the curator of the Japanese pavilion at the Venice exhibition.

New party launched by LDP rebels

New party launched by LDP rebels

TOKYO, Japan - (From L to R) Hiroyuki Arai, a member of the House of Councillors, Takashi Aoyama, former House of Representatives member, Nagano Gov. Yasuo Tanaka, and former lower house members Koki Kobayashi and Makoto Taki join hands Aug. 21 to launch a new political party, named Nippon. The four lawmakers broke ranks with the Liberal Democratic Party and voted against Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's Japan Post privatization bills.

Another new party to be launched by LDP rebels

Another new party to be launched by LDP rebels

TOKYO, Japan - Nagano Gov. Yasuo Tanaka responds to questions from reporters in Tokyo on Aug. 21 on a new party to be launched by Koki Kobayashi, one of rebels within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, and Hiroyuki Arai, who has left the party. Tanaka may head the new party.

Another new party to be launched by LDP rebels

Another new party to be launched by LDP rebels

TOKYO, Japan - Nagano Gov. Yasuo Tanaka responds to questions from reporters in Tokyo on Aug. 21 on a new party to be launched by Koki Kobayashi, one of rebels within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, and Hiroyuki Arai, who has left the party. Tanaka may head the new party. (Kyodo)

New party launched by LDP rebels

New party launched by LDP rebels

TOKYO, Japan - (From L to R) Hiroyuki Arai, a member of the House of Councillors, Takashi Aoyama, former House of Representatives member, Nagano Gov. Yasuo Tanaka, and former lower house members Koki Kobayashi and Makoto Taki join hands Aug. 21 to launch a new political party, named Nippon. The four lawmakers broke ranks with the Liberal Democratic Party and voted against Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's Japan Post privatization bills. (Kyodo)