OKAMOTO Taro is an artist widely known for his "Tower of the Sun," the symbol of Expo '70 Commemorative Park. He has created numerous public artworks throughout his life. His works have been installed throughout Japan, and many of them can be seen in western Japan.
In front of the Himeji Municipal Sports Center in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, there is a sculpture, "The Life Impulse," created by OKAMOTO Taro in 1981.
The Himeji Municipal Sports Center is a facility where many sports-related events are held and where people of all ages and both men and women can become familiar with sports.
"The Life Impulse" is a striking white symmetrical sculpture soaring into the sky. The base is covered with cobalt blue mosaic tiles. The inscription on the work reads as follows.
"It symbolizes the sense of freedom and the joy of living, stretching up toward the heavens and shaking oneself out of the earth. The joy of sports is not about winning or losing, but about unconditional physical and mental exuberance and the opening of life between heaven and earth."
The exhibition offers a glimpse into the thoughts of OKAMOTO Taro, who himself enjoyed sports such as baseball, golf, and skiing. In 2023, the exhibition " Okamoto Taro and Sports" was held at the Taro Okamoto Museum of Art in Kawasaki, Japan.
There are also other works by OKAMOTO Taro in Hyogo, including "The Young Fountain" and the literary monument "The Life of Words is Love" in Himeji City, where "The Life Impulse" is located.
Why not include them in your plans when you visit Hyogo?
Address | 453 Chuji, Himeji City, Hyogo Pref. |
TEL. | 079-293-1321 (Himeji City Sports Center) |
Access from the nearest station | ・Approx. 15-20 minutes walk toward Tegara-yama Central Park (to the west) from Tegara Station on the Sanyo Electric Railway. ・From JR Himeji Station, take bus No. 27 or 28 from bus stop No. 2 at the North Exit, about a 15 minute ride, and alight at the Chuji bus stop. ・Approx. 10 minutes by taxi from JR Himeji Station |
Notes. | Located in the plaza in front of Himeji City Sports Center, free parking available |
Official Website |