(July 6, 2016) The alabaster tower has already represented Pisa and Tuscany in Moscow and San Francisco. The alabaster copy of the famous Campanile del Duomo di Pisa goes to Tokyo for the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Friendship and Trade Treaty between Italy and Japan of 1866. The largest alabaster work of art in the world measuring 3 metres in height, weighing nearly a tonne and consisting of 25,000 pieces will be on display until August 10 in the Hall of the Balearic Islands of Palazzo Gambacorti in Pisa before going to Japan. Initiatives of cultural exchange between Italy and Japan have already begun with contemporary Japanese artist Kan Yasuda in Pisa. There are numerous events scheduled in Japan with the aim to promote commercial relations, cultural ties and to increase the potential for tourism between Japan and Italy. There is also an educational component on Pisa’s architectural style known as “romanico pisano” (Romanesque architectural style in Pisa). “Bringing masters of alabaster to Japan and the indisputable show of friendship represents an important occasion to teach the world about our region and its entrepreneurial fabric. We want to further strengthen the existing relations that we have with Japan not only in terms of exports but also in terms of tourism” comments Valter Tamburini president of Chamber of Commerce of Pisa.
