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The article reports on the 5.1 million dollars worth of Harry Packard collection of Japanese art bought by Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It says that it was the largest and costliest single collection with 412 objects including neolithic pots, clay Haniwa figures, and Japanese paintings, wherein it depleted the Metropolitan's acquisition budget until 1980. Curator George Kuwayama notes that Metropolitan has a tremendous coup and that the museum has diplomatic advantages, in which the collection has been granted to them by the Japanese government. Meanwhile, it features how Harry Packard was able to seek objects for his collection or for sale to U.S. buyers.

This section offers news briefs concerning the art industry. Ultraviolet rays and colored lights are being used in Europe to confirm the authenticity of original paintings created by old masters. The American Federation of Arts is conducting a fundraising drive for the planned construction of a national art gallery in Washington, D.C. Several Japanese paintings are being sold in Manhattan, New York City for earthquake relief.

The article offers information on the ancient art of screen painting in Japan. By the 16th century, screen painting had become central to the visual culture of traditional Japan. The climax of screen painting occurred during the Momoyama period from 1573-1614 when Japan's capital was moved from Kyoto to a fishing village called Edo by a group of Japanese warlords moved. The interiors of their castles needed a kind of decoration which was provided by screen painters like Kaiho Yusho.

The article reports on the discovery that Japanese artist Yoshihiki Wada copied his paintings from the works of Italian artist Alberto Sughi. The decision to strip Wada of Japan's prestigious Minister of Education Art Encouragement Prize is revealed. A statement issued by Sughi on his relationship with Wada is presented. The article also covers the justification issued by Wada of his copying of Sughi's paintings.

Focuses on 'Genji Monogatari,' or 'The Tale of Genji,' which was written 1,000 years ago in Japan by Murasaki Shikibu. Motion picture version of the story which opened in Tokyo entitled 'Genji--A Thousand-Year Love'; Popularity of the tale in comic books; Fascination for the tale in Japan.