Right before us stands a testament to Osaka’s commitment to art: the \u6faa Statue. This is just one of the many sculptures dotting Midosuji Sculpture Street. Midosuji Street itself is more than just a road. It is a carefully planned boulevard designed with an eye toward the future.
In 1937, Osaka officials envisioned the city’s development a century hence. They buried the electric wires and planted around 800 ginkgo trees. They even capped building heights at 30 meters. This created a beautiful main street. Today, the height restrictions are relaxed to 50 meters. Commercial and office buildings line the street.
Midosuji runs about four kilometers from Umeda to Namba. Parallel to it, you will find the lively shopping streets of Shinsaibashi-suji and Ebisubashi-suji. To the east and west are business and fashion districts. They intersect like a checkerboard.
But what truly makes Midosuji special are the sculptures. Osaka invited donations from local companies. They installed 29 works of art by famous artists. These include pieces by Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin of “The Thinker” fame, and Kotaro Takamura. The \u6faa Statue adds to this collection. It offers passersby an easy way to appreciate art.
The \u6faa Statue stands as a testament to Osaka’s embrace of art. This statue entertains and enriches the daily lives of those who pass by. As you stroll along Midosuji, take a moment to appreciate the \u6faa Statue. Let it inspire you. It is a reminder that art can be found in unexpected places.