Tower of the Sun, Modern art tower in Natural and Cultural Gardens, Suita, Japan
Tower of the Sun is a 70-meter tower made of steel-reinforced concrete in the Natural and Cultural Gardens of Suita. Two faces look in opposite directions from the front side, while a third appears on the back.
The structure was built in 1970 for the Osaka World Exposition and originally stood inside the Festival Plaza building designed by architect Kenzo Tange. After decades outside public access, it reopened in 2018 following extensive renovation.
Artist Taro Okamoto designed this tower as a symbol of progress and life, a vision visitors still experience today in the exterior design and exhibition space. The three faces represent past, present and future, a concept woven throughout the entire structure.
The interior can be visited during regular opening hours, with the exhibition spread across several floors. The installation is accessible to visitors of all ages, though the stairs may present a challenge for those with limited mobility.
The Pokémon character Larvesta takes direct design references from this tower, particularly the red elements around its head. The golden face on the back lights up at night, creating a completely different impression from daylight viewing.
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