Soaring above us stands the Tower of the Sun a colossal monument. It’s the iconic symbol of Expo ’70 held in Osaka. This incredible structure designed by Taro Okamoto was once part of a larger complex. The complex included the Big Roof and other towers. The Big Roof was later removed. Now the Tower of the Sun stands alone.
The Tower of the Sun is more than just a building. It’s a powerful artwork. It represents the past present and future of humanity. Its three faces symbolize these crucial points in time. The golden face at the top represents the future. The face on the front symbolizes the present. The black sun on the back represents the past. These powerful images convey a cyclical view of life. The past present and future are interconnected. They are always present within us.
This striking 70-meter-high tower has a 20-meter diameter base. Each of its arms extends 25 meters. Initially visitors could explore its interior during Expo ’70. Inside a huge artwork called the Tree of Life was showcased. It depicted the evolution of life. Tsuburaya Productions helped create this breathtaking display. Unfortunately after Expo ’70 the inside was closed. It remained inaccessible for nearly 50 years.
The Tower of the Sun was almost demolished. Many people fought to save it. Finally in 1975 it was decided to preserve this important landmark. Repairs began in 1994 and continued until 1995. The tower then was opened for special events. The opening events were very popular. Over 40000 people visited the interior between 2003 and 2006. The interior closed again for renovations. But it finally permanently reopened to the public in March 2018.
The reopened interior now features a reconstructed Sun of the Underworld. This remarkable addition is enhanced with captivating animation. The Tree of Life also has been restored. It still features numerous models of living organisms. The Tree of Life represents the strength of life’s journey toward the future. The Tower of the Sun offers a unique blend of art history and science. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Osaka. It serves as a testament to human creativity and perseverance. It inspires reflection on our past present and future.