On 18^th of September in The Sculpture Park Ilindentci, Vilalage of Ilindentci, Municipality of Strumiani was the opening of the major artistic event of The Art Center Ilindentci Foundation for 2011 called "Images of stone, color and sounds". Their works presents the prominent Bulgarian artists: Academician Svetlin Rusev - "Stone pictures," Svilen Blajev - pictures "Badnitsi" and the sculptor Ivan Rusev - six stone plastics "Luminous stone lanterns - dedicated to Japan", from his new cycle "Luminous stone lanterns".
Musical performances by group for authentic folklor "Lyulintsi" conducted by Victoria Ivanova, choir "AVE MUSICA" conducted by Tania Nikleva-Vladeva and percussion group "ART LIBITUM" conducted by Jordan Vladev.

The exhibition "Luminous stone lanterns and sculptural forms" was opened today in gallery "The Mission" and will continue until 20^th of October. The opening was sounded with traditional ethno intonations from Japan and Bulgaria by the choir "Ave Musica", conductor Tania Nikleva-Vladeva.

Today at official ceremony in The Ministry of Culture`s Hall "Collegium", the Japanese sculptor Masaji Asaga was awarded with the highest award of the Ministry of Culture of Bulgaria "Golden Century".
The prestigious award was bestow of Deputy Minister of culture Mitko Todorov to Masaji Asaga in the presence of Deputy Minister of Culture, Arch. Georgi Stoev, Hon. Mr. Makoto Ito, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in Bulgaria, the Secretary of Cultural Affairs of Japan Mrs. Aya Otaki, Chairman of the "Art Center Ilindentsi Foundation Mr.Ivan Rusev and our distinguished sculptors and artists. High award was given for his exceptional contribution in promoting of Bulgarian stone sculpture in Japan by established by him "Rock Museum" in Sakuragava City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Deputy Minister Dimitar Todorov forward to Mr. Asaga special greetings on behalf of the Minister Rashidov, emphasizing the fact that over the last 20 years, cooperation in the field of culture between Japan and Bulgaria is developing very successfully. One expression of this cooperation are The 22^od days of Japanese culture in Bulgaria, part of which is the joint exhibition "Luminous stone lanterns and sculptural forms" of Masaji Asaga and seven prominent Bulgarian sculptors (opening today in gallery "The Mission" in Sofia).