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2.

What I would like to ask you to do as the first step is to send me about 5 photographs (no color reproductions) from each artist of say about 30 painters.  That would give us a chance to see what each artist is doing.  As you understand, this does not mean that 30 artists will be invited, or for that matter that anyone will be invited, for it all depends on the funds, rules and regulations that govern the exhibition.  Also if a handful were chosen, they would represent Japan.

The next International Exhibition takes place in October 1952.  Plans have to be made way ahead and so we have to work extremely fast before their budget is settled.

Unfortunately, I do not know anything about the work being done there now excepting through occasional reproductions.  In 1929 I saw some of the painters and their work but that is a long time ago.  Therefore, I would like to leave this up to your committee to choose the painters you think are representative of Japanese art today.  I would suggest the best work, no matter what school, young or old, that is being done there.

Sometime ago, Mr. Ishigaki, whom I introduced to you wrote me that the Carnegie International was discussed in a article in the newspaper.  He was rather upset in the way it was reported because of the misquotes.  I myself have not seen the article so don't know what it contains.  The New York representative of Mainichi, subsequently wrote me and I in turn gave him a detailed report on how the Carnegie International is conducted here.  I just thought I would mention this to you since the possibility of Japan being included in the next International only developed a few days ago.

I, of course, would like to see work sent that would impress us all.  For at this point we are just negotiating.  The best chance for Japanese art to be included is for the best examples to be sent.

I hope you are in agreement with me on this point and that you are equally as excited by the idea.

With best wishes to you and your members and the hope of a speedy reply,

Most sincerely,

Yasuo Kuniyoshi

Mr. U. Ihara
Tokyo
Japan