Katsuhiro Otomo Unveils Massive Artwork in Tokyo’s Ginza Station
A swirling, era-spanning ode to craftsmanship by the ‘Akira’ creator.
Summary
- Katsuhiro Otomo, the founder of Akira, has unveiled his new ceramic relief, “Procession Spin,” at Ginza Station in Tokyo
- The swirling artwork celebrates craftsmanship of the past, present and future, moving through various eras, from the Jomon era to the industrial future
Tokyo’s Ginza Station is the latest, must-see destination for fans of Katsuhiro Otomo, the revered manga artist and director. Last month, the Akira creator unveiled “Procession Spin,” a colossal, ceramic ode to various modes of craftsmanship throughout human history.
Two years in the making, the artwork, measuring 7 meters wide and 2.4 meters high, lifts one of Otomo’s original illustrations off the page, and into a dense, ceramic relief. Made up of 164 individual ceramic tiles, 4 bronzes and 290 glazes, the artist collaborated closely with seven craftsmen from CREARE Atami-Yugawara Studio, an atelier that specializes in large-scale public art, to complete the massive puzzle.
“I’ve shaped the flow of art — from the Jomon period to the present and beyond — into a single form,” the artist said in a recent statement. “The thoughts and prayers people wished to express by era are passing down while changing form. From that sequence, I’m lining up the fragments that have drawn me in and remain in my heart.”
Japan Traffic Culture Association
Japan Traffic Culture Association
Japan Traffic Culture Association
Japan Traffic Culture Association
Japan Traffic Culture Association
Reading from right to left, the piece begins with Jomon-era earthenware, its rugged, aged feel made possible through a special compounded glaze made from refined rice paddy soil. The center, representing the present, sees an eleven-headed Kannon, a prominent Buddhist bodhisattva, enveloped in gold leaf to showcase its sacred solemnity. Finally, the leftmost section gestures towards the future through metallic finishes and industrial architecture, also echoing Otomo’s famed sci-fi universes.
Additionally, the lower left corner features a red-clad biker for Akira lovers, perhaps a nod to Shotaro Kaneda, personally colored by Otomo himself.
“From here on, the work belongs to the viewer. When you happen to stop by, approach and retreat as you please,” Otomo continued. “I would be happy if something resonates within you.”
“Procession Spin” is now permanently on view near Exit B1. Make sure to swing by Ginza Station on your next trip to Tokyo.
Ginza Station – Tokyo Metro Line
4 Chome-1-2 Ginza,
Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061,
Japan
