• Japanese
• Nasunogahara International Sculpture Symposium in Ohtawara2011

Organizer Kodai Hihara

Mankind has created its own required tools, and shaped this modern culture. As experiences foster humans’ sensitivity, in child education it is believed vital to establish opportunities that develop the necessary tools to lead a meaningful life. A sense of art helps forge creative power in people. No matter how convenient our lives, living honestly in a cold, unstable society would be very challenging. Nowadays, preparing environments that activate and sustain a sense of art within humans is very important. Ohtawara City stands in central Nasunogahara to the north of the Kanto Plain. Positioned near the scenic Nasu Highlands, it is blessed with vast rice paddies and rich spring water. Consequently, it developed as a station on the Oushuu Highway. In addition, Ohtawara is the birth place of Nasuno Yoichi, a samurai who miraculously shot a folding fan on a boat while on horseback in the Battle of Yashima. Following the national government’s ‘District Development’ directive in 1989, Ohtawara City has commissioned numerous projects closely linked to its heritage and nature under the theme of “A Town of Green, Water and Art.” The Ohtawara Street Art Museum is proud to celebrate its 20th event. This series of events is organized by enthusiastic citizens, whose efforts were rewarded in 1996 after receiving an encouragement award for creating a beautiful city from the Tochigi Prefecture Association of Corporate Executives. Nasunogahara Harmony Hall, complete with a 1300-seat main hall, a smaller hall and a gallery, was opened in 1994. These superb facilities were built to inspire an enjoyment of artistic and musical education. With hopes to invigorate our region’s youth further, 1995 saw the opening of the Fureai-no-Oka training facility and the International Medical and Welfare University. This symposium, also, was realized as a result of the citizens’ power and their close cooperation with local government. I believe that sculptors reap positive benefits when they step outside their workshops and create art in public. Through this event, citizens of all ages can enjoy sharing the moment of creation and the fun atmosphere associated with sculpture. In organizing this event, we are confident that Fureai-no-Oka’s magnificent surroundings will help develop solid relationships that will in turn educate our citizens and help to establish a new Ohtawara.