About the artwork

This Maze for Tourists is inspired by a type of maze often found in ancient Europe, where it was used in rituals to pray for the safety of travelers on ship at sea. When I saw such a maze, I felt that its form was similar to motifs on Jomon Era pottery and sensed a similarity to the natural balance in which Jomon people lived. In creating this park, my hope was to bring to life, in the present day, something of those ancient lifestyles. I hope that all travelers, all visitors to this place, will grasp the bounty and grace of nature by following the maze to begin a new life’s journey. I will be very happy if this park becomes a nature center for learning about plants and birnging people closer to nature. My wish is that the wonderful gifts of nature that Echigo-Tsumari enjoys will be shared throughout the world.