Title: "AMATERASU" ― A Prayer for Peace and Resonance with Isamu Noguchi
This work embodies my consistent theme of "Opposition to War" – a profound message for peace.
A major reason for my deep respect towards artists of the same generation as Ms Jakucho Setouchi is that they dedicated their lives to upholding and expressing their conviction against war. The resolute will of these predecessors who endured harsh times guides my creative endeavours and forms the root of the wish embodied in this "AMATERASU". This work was installed in the tranquil space at the rear of the front lobby of the former Hyakumangoku Umebachitei in Yamashiro Onsen. It was not created for a specific commission; rather, it is a piece where I, as an artist, gave form to my inner feelings, and through serendipity, it found its place here. There, it realised a collaboration with the lighting piece 'Akari' by the world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi. The architect responsible for the spatial design selected Noguchi's 'Akari' to complement my work. What delighted and honoured me most was how deeply they understood the prayer for peace and the creative intent within my piece, harmonising the form of lacquer with the soft light.
Reflecting on it, my own artistic origins lie there too. Though I graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, my graduation project was also strongly inspired by Isamu Noguchi, leading me to choose an expression combining lacquer and 'stone'. Time has passed, and I feel profound emotion at being able to collaborate with his spirit once more in this way. The radiance of 'AMATERASU' floating within the jet-black lacquer, harmonising with the 'akari' illuminating the feet. I hope that space delivered a quiet prayer for peace to the hearts of those who visited.
The season of graduation exhibitions brings to mind Isamu Noguchi and his connection with stone
2026-02-11T13:30
It is currently the season for art university graduation exhibitions.
This occurred just before my graduation work was to be displayed at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Having visited the 'Isamu Noguchi Exhibition: Light and Stone' in Yurakucho, I was profoundly struck by the overwhelming spatial design created by light and stone – something entirely different from any art exhibition I had experienced before.
Still reeling from that experience, I became convinced that "stone alone must form the foundation of my work." Yet the exhibition was imminent. It was a sudden impulse, but I consulted my lacquer department teacher, knowing it was a tall order. He managed to arrange for some splendid stone from the sculpture department. The fact that my thanks at the time amounted to two sake "Kenbishi " is now a fond, quintessentially Geidai memory.
Only recently did I learn that the architect responsible for that venue's design was Arata Isozaki.
When I lived in Ōita, I often visited the Ōita Prefectural Library (now Art Plaza), designed by him. It feels strangely connected.
My graduation project was completed through the spirit of Mr Noguchi, the spatial vision of Mr Isozaki, and the support of my teachers from both the Lacquer and Sculpture departments. You can view the work from that time here.
