フラワータワー Sculpture

Okamoto’s enigmatic creation, the Tower of the Sun, dominates the landscape. It’s more than just a sculpture. It’s a time capsule, a monument to Expo ’70, the first world’s fair in Asia. This iconic structure, standing 70 meters tall, isn’t just a random artistic whim. It embodies the expo’s theme: “Progress and Harmony for Mankind”. Taro Okamoto, the artist, envisioned a powerful symbol encapsulating past, present, and future. The Tower of the Sun’s main face, a large, almost lunar orb, stares out at us, representing the present. Look up. See the golden face at the summit? That symbolizes the future, its eyes once illuminated by Xenon arc lamps during the expo. Now, newer lights stand beside the old, a reminder of both past glory and present innovation. Journey behind the tower. There you’ll find the black sun, a mosaic crafted from Shigaraki pottery, embodying the past. Originally, a fourth face, the “Sun of the Underworld”, resided in the basement. Now, its location remains a mystery. The Tower of the Sun wasn’t always exposed to the elements. It once projected through the ceiling of Kenzo Tange’s “Big Roof”. This structure was later removed, leaving the tower vulnerable until restoration efforts began in 1994. During Expo ’70, the tower’s interior housed a breathtaking 45-meter-tall artwork: the “Tree of Life”. This vibrant creation, a collaborative effort with Tsuburaya Productions, depicted the evolution of creatures. Visitors ascended via moving staircases and a lift, marveling at the spectacle. Although the interior is currently closed, whispers circulate about its potential reopening. The Tower of the Sun continues to inspire, appearing in various forms of popular culture, from anime to manga, and even as a giant robot toy. Its unique design, born from a desire to challenge the expo’s progressivist ideals, has become a timeless emblem. It stands as a testament to Okamoto’s vision, reminding us of the interconnectedness of past, present, and future.