The morning sun slowly rises over the horizon, the white, strong daytime sun, and the evening sun sets into the evening sky. The torii gate standing on the beach glis-tens in the diverse light of the day. It looks like an electric decoration but what is reflected in the light are as many as 19,000 sequins, each 3 cm square.

The light is reflected diffusely by the fluttering of the small pieces as they catch the wind. The sound that can be heard as one approaches is produced by an aeolian harp (a musical instrument whose strings vibrate in the wind) attached to the main body. Visitors can feel the strong wind blowing from the Sea of Japan with their eyes and ears. The artist, who has created works that fuse old and modern cultures such as traditional crafts, was inspired by the metaphorical representation of gates in Japanese Shinto and Zen practices.

The gate is made of cedar from Noto peninsula. Facing east and west, standing between sunrise and sunset, the gate also represents two aspects of life: the sacred and the profane, the everyday and the extraordinary. The work was placed on the beach of Yoriage near “Godzilla Rock,” a well-known sightseeing spot. The large reefs on the ocean side make it difficult for the work to be directly exposed to the rough waves of the Sea of Japan.

However, during high tide on stormy days, the sand under the work’s feet is washed away by the violent waves, exposing the steel plate of its foundation. To repair the work and ensure the safety of visitors, city officials and supporters carried sand to the area four times during the exhibition period. As the artist says, “It symbolizes humanity—the solitude of humanity amidst the indifferent forces of our planet and the universe.” The work was influenced by the ebb and flow of the tide and sea breeze, and is closely related to the topography and natural environment.

This work is based on the sacred and metaphorical meaning of the “gate” in Japanese Shinto and the practice of Zen. The work stands between sunrise and sunset. These are the two aspects of life. Passing through this door, you are accompanied only by music and wind waves on the gate’s surface. Artwork also includes the ritual itself when the viewer celebrates the moment of Zen passing through yourself. After all, you are the gate.

In the realm of Shinto tradition, the placement of torii gates carries profound symbolism. As the very essence of their spiritual practice revolves around these gateways, local priests are compelled to orchestrate a sacred ceremony. These gates serve as metaphors for the passage between different worlds, a threshold through which not only humans but also other mystical entities may wander. Hence, the ritual serves as a protective ward, sealing the gates against unwelcome spirits and ethereal beings.