By Marie Manalili

A Japanese artist held an exhibit in the University of Santo Tomas as a part of the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in hopes that it will "never be repeated" again through showcasing art.

Masakazu Iwasaki is an airbrush artist behind the solo exhibit featuring the “Neo Japanism” style in his airbrush paintings at UST Beato Angelico Gallery on Wednesday.

"There are Japanese left behind in the Philippines, and there were many civilian casualties in Manila as well. I would like to connect the idea that this should never be repeated through art", Iwasaki said in a statement.

"As we commemorate 80 years since the end of the war, we chose this location in the Philippines to pass on our memories to the future", Iwasaki added. The exhibit is open to the public until Friday.

Philippine Nikkei-jin Legal Support Center (PNLSC) Regional Director Norihiro Inomata, a non-government organization helping Japanese descendants in the Philippines, said the exhibit promotes the friendship between the Philippines and Japan despite the war.

"Neo Japanism" is an art style that attempts to challenge new artistic expression by incorporating modern techniques while retaining the traditional Japanese culture and aesthetic sense.

It features motifs in Feng Shui such as dragon and carp that combine traditional techniques handed down in Japan such as pasting 24 karat gold leaf and a touch of black and white gradations. DMS