オフィシャル
The Sculptor of the Wind: Susumu Shingu's Works in Chuo Ward
We cannot see the wind itself. Yet it reveals its presence by rustling leaves, creating ripples on water, and moving the world around us.
Japanese sculptor Susumu Shingu has devoted much of his career to creating sculptures that incorporate the power of nature. His kinetic works move with the wind and gravity, changing their appearance from moment to moment. Because of this unique approach, he is often called “the sculptor of the wind.”
In this blog, I would like to introduce two of his works that can be seen in Chuo Ward.
astral time — Akatsuki Park
Located in Akatsuki Park in Tsukiji, astral time is a sculpture that responds to the wind with gentle, graceful movements.
Mounted on a slender support, its elements sway even in the slightest breeze. The movement is never dramatic, yet it is endlessly fascinating to watch. After a while, the sculpture seems to become part of the surrounding landscape, moving in harmony with the sky, the clouds, and the trees.
Although it stands in an ordinary public park, the work encourages visitors to become aware of the wind and the passage of time. It is a quiet presence that invites people to pause, even in the midst of a busy day.
Hommage au Cosmos — Maison Hermès Ginza
Looking up at the Maison Hermès building in Ginza, visitors can find one of Shingu’s best-known works, Hommage au Cosmos.
Suspended in the open space of the building, the sculpture consists of large mobile elements that slowly rotate and shift with the wind. Reflecting the light of the city, it brings a sense of nature into the heart of urban Tokyo.
Created in collaboration with architect Renzo Piano’s iconic building, the sculpture is more than an architectural decoration. It reminds us that the forces of nature continue to exist and shape our environment, even in the middle of a modern city.
Together, the shimmering glass façade and the ever-moving sculpture create one of the most memorable sights in Ginza.
Conclusion
Susumu Shingu’s sculptures contain no motors or electronic controls. They are moved only by natural forces such as wind and gravity.
For that reason, they are never exactly the same twice. Each moment offers a new form, a new balance, and a new relationship with the surrounding environment.
Both astral time in Akatsuki Park and Hommage au Cosmos at Maison Hermès Ginza are easily accessible in Chuo Ward.
If you happen to be nearby, take a moment to stop and watch them. You may discover a new appreciation for the invisible forces that quietly shape our everyday world.