Seventy meters tall it stands a giant among giants. The Tower of the Sun. A testament to Expo ’70 a world’s fair that captivated millions. It’s one of the few remaining structures from that extraordinary event. It’s also one of Japan’s most famous outdoor sculptures.
This wasn’t meant to be a permanent fixture. The Tower of the Sun was intended to be temporary. It was to be demolished after the Expo. Thankfully a successful petition ensured its survival. Now it stands as a beloved symbol of Osaka. A legacy of progress and harmony.
Look closely. The Tower of the Sun has three faces. The top face is gold symbolizing the future. During the Expo at night its eyes shone a beam of blue light across the grounds. The middle face is a more expressive sculpture representing the present. It’s accented with red lightning bolts. The third face painted on the back shows the past gazing backwards.
Originally there was another face the Sun of the Underworld. It was located in the basement. It’s been moved but its current location is unknown. This sculpture along with the rest of the Tower underwent extensive repairs. It reopened in 2018. The Tree of Life. That’s what’s inside.
Imagine stepping inside. You’ll see the Tree of Life a 41-meter-tall artificial tree made of steel. Its branches are decorated with species showing the evolution of life on Earth. From amoeba to primates. Even dinosaurs! A staircase spirals around it. You can see it all.
The Tower of the Sun is more than a sculpture. It’s a work of art that blends fantasy and futurism. It’s a story of perseverance and a celebration of progress. It’s a must-see landmark in Osaka. A true testament to human ingenuity and imagination.