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May.5, 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ART FAIR TOKYO Official Site
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Jan.1st. 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Happy Holidays, and wish you and your loved ones a prosperous new year!! Winter,2015-2016 YABUUCHI Satoshi |
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Jan.1st. 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I also hope that the coming year will be filled with hope and brightness for all the peoples of the world. December 2014 - January 2015 |
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Jan.1st. 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1. Wishing you all a very happy new year We are able to see the success of the economic policies carried out by the Abe government since its formation a year ago, bringing renewed prosperity in a wide range of fields, while Tokyo's selection as the venue for the 2020 Olympic Games is also good news. However, will the abnormal tensions affecting East Asia continue this year? We hope to see the government steer a safe course. Be that as it may, I would like to celebrate the coming of the New Year. Let me wish you all a very happy new year and I hope that you will continue to enjoy 'The World of YABUUCHI Satoshi'. 2. 'The Works and World of YABUUCHI Satoshi. YAMATO-JIKARA - The Spiritual Strength of Japan' exhibition opens at the Sogo Museum of Art 'The Works and World of YABUUCHI Satoshi. YAMATO-JIKARA - The Spiritual Strength of Japan', sponsored by the Yomiuri Shimbun, the Japan Association of Art Museums, etc., will be opening at its final venue on January 1 and we hope that many of you will be able to attend.
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Jan.1st. 2013
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1) Wishing you all a very happy new year.
Let me begin by wishing you all a very happy new year. In Japan, the political party that typified mobocracy has been defeated and we can finally see a glimmer of light as 2013 dawns. I look forward to Japan’s revival and its increased contribution to international society. 2) Next month will see the opening of the YABUUCHI Satoshi Exhibition - Yamatojikara. |
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January 20, 2011
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1) We hope that 2011 will be a year of health and happiness for all of you. [Introduction] 2011 is the year of the rabbit, according to the Oriental zodiac, and so we present a special collection of various rabbits YABUUCHI Satoshi has created over the years. 2) We were kept busy last year with events held in Nara Prefecture to celebrate the 1300th anniversary of the founding of the city of Heijo-kyo. This year, however, we plan to hold an exhibition entitled the "YABUUCHI Satoshi Exhibition" (provisional name) organized by Yomiuri Shimbun Co. Ltd. You can also look forward to increased activity by the Heisei Gigakudan Dance Troupe 3) Statues by YABUUCHI Satoshi entitled, "Enmusubi Shichi Doji" (Seven Matchmaking Boys - provisional name) will be installed in the new JR Shin-Hakata Station in Kyushu which opens in March. These will be placed on the main roof at the station entrance and also in the JR Shrine, situated on the rooftop. Please look forward to them!! 4) Nine monuments, that took two years to complete, will be placed at the Tamazukuri hot spring resort in Shimane Prefecture in March. Inspired by myths from the Izumo area they consist of eight landscape sculptures located around the central figure of Princess Tamahime. I hope that you will also look forward to seeing these. 5) The Graduate School of Conservation for Cultural Property in Tokyo University of the Arts, where YABUUCHI Satoshi teaches, will be holding a "Graduation Exhibition" in which the students scheduled to graduate this year will present the results of their research. The works by the three graduating students are of an even higher level than usual and well worth seeing. The exhibition will be open to the public at the following place and times. |
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Jan. 1, 2010
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A very happy new year to you all. Despite the cold wind blowing through the world’s economy, YABUUCHI Satoshi's works remain as lively as ever. To celebrate the new year, we present 'Tigers by YABUUCHI Satoshi: Tora! Tora! Tora!', depicting the animal from the Chinese zodiac for 2010. |
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choreograph:MINAMI Sasuga performance ; Sasuga Gumi 【photo・1】 2)[What's The Heisei Gigaku Troupe?] 「The Heisei Gigaku Troupe」【photo・1】 【photo・2】 「Rokubo」【photo・1】 【photo・2】 「Rokuji」【photo・1】 【photo・2】 「Ashuradoji」【photo・1】 【photo・2】 「Sakaradoji」【photo】 「Karuradoji」【photo・1】 【photo・2】 「Ryujindoji」【photo・1】 【photo・2】 「Chido-o」【photo】 「Zenzaidoji」【photo・1】 【photo・2】 「Shusendoji」【photo・1】 【photo・2】 「Kotengu」【photo】 |
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Jan. 14, 2008
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1. I would like to wish everybody a very happy new year. May it be a year that brings happiness to all the peoples of the world. |
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2. According to the Oriental zodiac, this year is the year of the rat, the first year in the twelve-year cycle. In order to commemorate this, YABUUCHI Satoshi has produced a series of works based on the rat. |
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3. This year I plan to exhibit at the International Asian Art Fair, New York in March, and the Hong Kong Art Fair in October. These will be my first overseas exhibitions for some time and I hope you will look forward to them with anticipation. |
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4. Information on New Bronze Figures Those interested in purchasing one of these figures, please inquire at |
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'Sai-no-Rikijin - The God Who Wards off All Bad Luck'
Material: Bronze Size: Height 16.5 cm. Limited Edition of: 88 Price: \500,000 + Consumption Tax Certification: Each figure has a signature and the edition number Each figure comes in wooden box bearing the title, artist’s signature 'Uwamuki Doji - Optimistic Child 2008 Edition' Material: Bronze/Gold Leaf Size: Height 18.5 cm. Limited Edition of: 88 Price: \450,000 + Consumption Tax Certification: Each figure has a signature and the edition number Each figure comes in wooden box bearing the title, artist’s signature 'Kubira Doji - From the Children of the Twelve Divine Generals Series' Material: Bronze/Gold Leaf/Platinum Leaf Size: Height 24.8 cm. Limited Edition of: 50 Price: \600,000 + Consumption Tax Certification: Each figure has a signature and the edition number Each figure comes in wooden box bearing the title, artist's signature [Explanation of 'Kubira Doji'] 'Kubira Doji - From the Children of the Twelve Divine Generals Series' The Buddha who cures both mental and physical ills, Yakushi Nyorai (Sk. Which animal is ascribed to each general is not firmly established and 'Kubira’ is also known as 'Konpira Daigongen' in Japan, the guardian of seafarers. In ancient Indian mythology, Kumbhira was a crocodile who |
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Jan.1 2007
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I wish everybody a very happy new year. May it be a year that bring happiness to all the peoples of the world. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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YABUUCHI Satoshi is looking forward to a busy year in 2007. March: Starting at the Nihonbashi branch of the Takashimaya Department Store, he will be holding an exhibition on the theme, 'Laughter Brings Joy', that will travel to Takashimaya stores throughout the country. He will also take part in the Asian Art Fair to be held in New York. April: An exhibition will be held at Hasegawa Ginza, the head office of Buddhist shrine and utensil manufacturer, Hasegawa Co., Ltd., to celebrate the birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha. He will take part in eight installments of the NHK Educational television program, 'Kono hito kono sekai' (This Person, This World) from April to May. October 5. In order to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the founding of the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, where he holds the post of professor, YABUUCHI Satoshi plans to hold a symposium on the life of OKAKURA Tenshin, the man who founded the forerunners of the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music and the Tokyo National Museum while also acting as head of the Asian Department at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. |
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Please visit the website belonging to the Sculpture Conservation Division, Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music that is run by YABUUCHI Satoshi. It carries English reports of our research into wooden sculptural cultural assets. http://www.geidai.ac.jp/labs/hozonchokoku/index.htm |
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I hope you continue to enjoy 'the world of YABUUCHI Satoshi' throughout the coming year. |
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Jan.1 2006
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Wishing you every happiness for the new year, 2006. I hope that mankind will be able to overcome war and poverty, allowing everybody to live in peace and happiness. May 2006 be a happy year for you and your family. YABUUCHI Satoshi |
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In East Asia, the years are given animal symbols that are repeated in a twelve-year cycle. 2006 being the year of the dog, our Special New Year Gallery will consist of the many dogs that have been created by YABUUCHI Satoshi. I hope you will enjoy "YABUUCHI Satoshi's World of Dogs". |
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YABUUCHI Satoshi's first Asian exhibition outside Japan will be held in Hong Kong from January 11 (Wed.) 2006. The details are as follows: YABUUCHI Satoshi Exhibition "Children With Mysterious Powers" January 11th. (Wed.) - 17th.(Tue.), 2006 SOGO CLUB, LEISURE CORNER 16/F, East Point Centre, New Wing, 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong tel 2833-8338 Exhibition Catalogue) |
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Jan.1st 2005
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1. Let us start by wishing you all a very happy new year. What kind of year will 2005 turn out to be? We pray that it will be one in which the world is saved from the war and poverty that blights it now.
2. This year is the year of the bird according to the traditional Chinese calendar and if you visit the "Museum" section of this site, you will be able to enjoy an exhibition of "YABUUCHI Satoshi's "Birds". I hope you enjoy it. 3. On the evening of Friday February 18 the "Second Offertory Performance - Katsumae" will be held at the Keishoden Hall of the Gokokuji Temple in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. This event will provide an opportunity to enjoy the music of the talented pianist, HORIE Mariko, in combination with the world of YABUUCHI Satoshi's works. 4. This spring, the "YABUUCHI Satoshi Exhibition" will be held in the gallery and gardens of the Reihokan of Daigoji temple in Kyoto, running concurrently with the temple's own special spring exhibition. This will be open everyday from Saturday March 19 to Sunday May 15 and we hope that you will take this opportunity to enjoy the world of YABUUCHI Satoshi amid the natural beauty of Daigoji in the spring. 5. In addition to his work as a sculptor, in 2004 YABUUCHI Satoshi was appointed Professor of the Fine Arts Research Department, Conservation and Restoration Laboratory of Cultural Properties, in the Graduate Division of Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, where he has begun work to create a new philosophy concerning the preservation and restoration of sculptural works of cultural importance as well as training people capable of carrying it out. He has also worked on cultural events such as last yearユs symposium entitled, "Kofukuji Temple - 1300 Years of Disturbances and Reconstruction, and so to Today". Information concerning these and many other events can be found on this web site and we look forward to your participation in the future. 6. He hopes to see you again this year in "The World of YABUUCHI Satoshi" at http://uwamuki.com |
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Mar.2 2004
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1) YABUUCHI Satoshi will be taking part in several collaborative projects during 2004, the main of which are listed below: 1. Japan's most popular young Kabuki actor, ICHIKAWA Shinnosuke, will assume the name, ICHIKAWA Ebizo XI, in April of this year and YABUUCHI Satoshi is currently working on a statue of 'Fudo Myo-o', a Buddhist deity with which the ICHIKAWA family closely associated, as part of the celebrations. Events: April: 'ICHIKAWA Ebizo Naming Celebratory Exhibition' (Grand Gallery, Nihombashi Takashimaya, Tokyo) May - June: 'ICHIKAWA Ebizo Naming Celebratory 'Kyogen' Performance - Special Exhibition Space' (Kabuki-za Theatre, Tokyo) Image - Celebratory Performance Poster 2. The works of YABUUCHI Satoshi will appear on stage together with the pianist, HORIE Mariko in an exploration of new forms of expression. The woman pianist, HORIE Mariko is popular as a leading performer of contemporary French music for the piano, particularly the work of Gabriel Faur?, and she will perform in collaboration with YABUUCHI Satoshi in a show produced by him. This year the two will offer several experimental performances in small venues, before presenting a performance in front of the statue of the Yakushi Nyorai (Bhechadjaguru), a national treasure at Godai-ji Temple in Kyoto. The schedule for these performances has yet to be decided, but mini-concerts are planned to be held throughout the country. 3. A joint exhibition with SHIBUSAWA Kei, an artist who paints the temples of Kamakura. The works to be shown are three Goddesses which took four years to produce for the Mishima Shrine (Aomori Pref.) Time: March 29 (Mon.) - April 6 (Tues.) Place: Kida Gallery, 6-4-5 Ginza Chuo-ku Tokyo 104-0061 Tel: 03 3573 2003 4. A joint exhibition with MORITA Rieko, a leading proponent of the Kyoto Nihonga School Time: Autumn (schedule as yet undecided) Place: Yokohama Sogo Art Gallery, Yokohama Sogo 2-18-1 Takashima Nishi-ku Yokohama 220-8510 Tel: 045-465-2300 Fax: 045-465-2484 2) The website for the 'Forum of Wood Culture and Art' will open this spring. With YABUUCHI Satoshi as one of the chief instigators, the forum will offer a place where people can consider and discuss 'Wood Culture and Art' which forms a unique characteristic of Japanese culture. The site should be up and running by early April and an introductory announcement can be seen at the following address: http://www.kinobunkatozokei.com Welcome to the Forum of Wood Culture and Art The aim of this site is to provide a forum where people who love Japan's wood culture or who are involved in wood art or craft can meet to exchange views and promote mutual friendship. We are busy working on the site at the moment but it should be up and running in early April. We look forward to your participation in this project. Forum of Wood Culture and Art preparation office: YABUUCHI Satoshi (sculptor) Webmaster@kinobunkatozokei.com Forum of Wood Culture and Art Objectives: Japan's 'Wood Culture and Art' are a cultural heritage that belongs not only to the Japanese, but to all the people of the world and it is our responsibility to protect and foster their growth for the future. Today, however, this 'Wood Culture' is on the verge of disappearing from both the consciousness and daily lives of the Japanese people. With regard to 'Wood Art' it is not sufficient to limit ourselves to the patronization and education of the craftspeople who work in the medium; there is an urgent need to create a comprehensive plan, encompassing every facet of the field, from forestry and its associated industries to consumer awareness, in order to revitalize the field. Forestry resources should be utilized by all types of industry, the resulting profits being used to create new forests, thereby restoring the natural cycle. This, in turn, will lead to a reassessment of Japanese culture and the overall social system. By abandoning the 'bounty of the forest' in favour of 'oil and steel', the Japanese people were able to achieve great prosperity during the latter half of the twentieth century, but in so doing, they lost sight of their unique culture and the Japanese spirit. I think it true to say that large numbers of Japanese people feel that the time has now come for them to turn their backs on the contemporary culture of concrete and resin to return to their traditional 'Wood Culture'. The 'Forum of Wood Culture and Art' will comprise of people from a wide variety of backgrounds; ranging from government to the private sector, from industry to religion, who sympathize with the aims listed above out of a mutual sense of crisis. Their objective will be to interact closely, sharing their knowledge, experience and expertise with the object of preserving and furthering 'Wood Culture and Art'. Definition of Terms: The term 'Wood Culture', as used here, refers to religion, philosophy, literature, public entertainment, customs, folklore, the environment, industry, etc., that were created against a background of wood and trees. 'Wood Art' refers to fields that use wood (or related plant materials such as bamboo, lacquer, paper, etc. and including weaving, dyeing, etc.) to produce art or craft products, to architecture, landscaping and all the techniques involved therein. In addition it will also be used to include such related fields as mountain management, forestry, tools, materials, etc. that support them. Activities: ・ To verify and recreate the spirit and environment that gave rise to 'Wood Culture'. ・ To create a meeting-place where artists and workers connected with 'Wood Arts' can join together to exchange information and promote friendship. ・ To establish and operate a center to provide information on 'people and materials' connected with 'Wood Culture and Art'. ・ To carry out systematic research into 'Wood Culture and Art'; to present suggestions concerning the conservation of associated techniques and the preservation of cultural properties. ・ To offer support to industries connected with 'Wood Culture and Art' in order to promote sound development. ・ To carry out activities to transmit 'Wood Culture' to the next generation. ・ To support forest conservation and the preservation/development of forest resources and related raw materials. ・ To develop new techniques or materials connected with 'Wood Culture and Art'. ・ To introduce Japan's 'Wood Culture and Art' to the rest of the world. ・ To spread a knowledge of the above through meetings, events, publications and public relation activities. |
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Dec. 6 .2003
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1. The year 2003 will soon be drawing to a close. It was a year in which we were confronted with numerous problems, most of which remain unsolved as we head towards 2004. I hope that world will be able to overcome famine, war and the threat of terror, while on a more personal level, that you find more happiness in the coming year. Wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR! (image: Gozaru, Netegozaru) The year 2004 is the year of the monkey, according to the Chinese zodiac, and these works were created to represent this. 2. YABUUCHI Satoshi's Main Activities During 2003 1) Twenty-first Hirakushi Denchu Award, Tokyo Commemoration Exhibition Time: September 24 (Wed.) - 30 (Tues.), 2003 Place: Art Gallery, Nihombashi Takashimaya (Tokyo) (Photographs of Exhibition) 2) Twenty-first Hirakushi Denchu Award Memorial Exhibition Time: October 3 (Fri.) - November 24 (Mon.), 2003 Place: Ibara Municipal Denchu Art Museum (Okayama Pref.) (Photographs of Exhibition) 3) The Sixth Kurayoshi Green Sculpture Award Time: September 6 (Sat.) - 19 (Sun.), 2003 Place: Kurayoshi Municipal Museum (Tottori Pref.) (Photographs of Exhibition) 3. YABUUCHI Satoshi's New Wooden Sculptures Album 2003 |
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Apr. 5 .2003
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1. The beginning of April marks the most visually spectacular period in Tokyo as the cherry trees all burst into bloom. The YABUUCHI Satoshi studio has a beautiful view of cherry blossom so why not enjoy some on-line blossom viewing? [Image Sakura] 2. The world's attention is focussed on the war between Iraq and the coalition forces led by the USA and Britain, set against a background of furious debate. However, we must not forget that the center of Tokyo, with its tall buildings and beautiful cherry blossom, was completely destroyed by American bombing in 1945, resulting in the overthrow of militarism and allowing Japan to enjoy a long period of peace. The majority of Japanese have no sympathies with Al-Qaeda, Sadaam Hussein or North Korea, but seeing the images of devastating aerial bombing in Iraq, it makes it difficult to know what to think. YABUUCHI Satoshi has recently produced a statue of Shiva, the ancient Indian god of creation and destruction. We hope that Anglo/American forces soon succeed in overthrowing the dictatorship and building a new nation in Iraq. [Image Daijizai-ten] 3. It has been announced that YABUUCHI Satoshi will win two awards for sculpture this year. * The Twenty-First Hirakushi Denchu Award One of Japan's premier sculpture awards, the Hirakushi Denchu Award was established thirty-one years ago as a memorial to HIRAKUSHI Denchu, one of the leading Japanese wood sculptors of the twentieth century, to recognize up-and-coming sculptors. On March 13 (Thurs.), the Board of Education at Ibara City in Okayama Prefecture announced that the twenty-first Hirakushi Denchu Award would be presented to YABUUCHI Satoshi, "For his work in colored, wooden sculpture over the past few years." [Image Pamphlet] The Twenty-First Hirakushi Denchu Prize Exhibition "YABUUCHI Satoshi Exhibition"Tokyo Exhibition/ Period: September 24 (Wed.) - 30 (Tues.) * The award ceremony and reception will be held during this period. Place: Art Gallery, Nihombashi Takashimaya tel: 03 3211 4111 Main Exhibition/ Period: October 3 (Fri.) - November 23 (Sun.) Place: Ibara Municipal Denchu Art Museum 315 Ibara-cho, Ibara-shi, Okayama Pref. 715-8601 tel: 0866 62 8787 fax: 0866 62 0332 * The Sixth Kurayoshi Green Sculpture Award With the slogan of メCreating a Town Based on Water and Cultureモ Kurayoshi city established the Kurayoshi Green Sculpture Award in 1986, presenting it to three sculptors every three years and commissioning them to create an outdoor sculpture. This year marks the sixth time that the award has been presented, YABUUCHI Satoshi being selected with FUKAI Takashi and NISHI Masaaki as its recipients. The commemorative exhibition will be held in September of this year, the work being placed on display some time next year. "The Sixth Kurayoshi Green Sculpture Award-Winnersユ Exhibition ヤNISHI Masaaki, FUKAI Takashi and YABUUCHI Satoshi" Period: September. 6 (Sun.) - October. 19 (Sun.) 2003 Place: Kurayoshi Museum/3445-8 Nakanocho, Kurayoshi-shi, Tottori Pref. 682-0824 tel: 0858 22 4409 fax: 0858 22 4415 |
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Feb. 1st. 2003
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1) A new shop, called "Rakkanbo" and specializing in the works of YABUUCHI Satoshi, opened in the Nishi-Shinbashi area of Minato Ward in Tokyo on January 20. This is the first gallery of its kind in the Tokyo area dealing solely in the works, books and other goods by YABUUCHI Satoshi, the name "Rakkanbo" coming from the Japanese meaning "A Room to Make you Feel Optimistic". "Rakkanbo" will be run jointly by the art dealer, Shinseido, and YABUUCHI Satoshi Studio. ・ Shinseido Shinbashi Branch "Rakkanbo" 2) There are many works by YABUUCHI Satoshi on display in public areas in the Chiyoda, Chuo and Minato wards of central Tokyo, so next time you come to Tokyo, please take the time to visit them. |
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Jan. 1st. 2003
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WISHING YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope that poverty and meaningless conflict will be banished from the world in the coming year. At the same time I also hope you and your loved ones will remain happy and healthy throughout 2003. YABUUCHI Satoshi |
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Dec. 15 2002
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We are now entering the last month of 2002 but what kind of year has this been for you? Winter has finally arrived in Tokyo and there is a sense of bustle and merriness as people make their preparations for the new year celebrations. 2002 proved to be a truly bountiful year for YABUUCHI Satoshi. * We have been involved in the Seisho-ji project for two years, creating outdoor sculptures and Buddhist statuary to be placed in grounds and new buildings of Seisho-ji Temple (Atago, Minato-ku, Tokyo), and we are happy to be able to announce its completion in October. 120 people, including priests and those connected with the construction work, took part in a consecration service at the temple on November 20. Seisho-ji is a famous temple belonging to the Soto sect, one of the two main sects of Zen Buddhism in Japan and it intends to use the new buildings to accomodate an "International Zen Center" and "Zen Renaissance School", thereby working to bring more people into contact with Buddhism and Zen. Seisho-ji Temple 2-4-7 Atago, Minato-ku, Tokyo tel: (81) 3-3431-3087 fax: (81) 3-3431-3536 * Five minutes walk from Kamiya-cho station on the Eidan Hibiya line or Onarimon station on the Toei Mita line. Situated on Atago Dori (Uchibori Dori) next to two round, 42-story buildings and opposite the Jikei-idai hospital. Toll parking is available on the first floor of the south tower. [Image: Seisho-ji Temple grounds] [Image: Buddhist statues, outdoor sculptures] [A summary of the making of the four Devas] [Consecration of the Buddhist statues] [Map of the grounds of Seisho-ji Temple] * On December 1, Japan's largest advertising company, Dentsu, moved into its new headquarters in the impressive Caretta Shiodome building, a part of the exciting new Shiodome redevelopment, and statues of Asatsuyu Doji (Morning-dew Boy) and Nichirin-bo (Master Sun) have been placed at the entrance to the shopping arcade on the basement first floor. This was done as part of the Dentsu Artworks Project, established to contribute to the planning of the building and the following artists took part in the project: (list of artists) [Overall view of the Dentsu new Headquarters Building] [Outline of the Artworks Project] [Image: Asatsuyu doji (Morning-dew Boy)] * A report on the "1250th Anniversary of the Consecration of the Great Buddha YABUUCHI Satoshi in Todai-ji: 'The Sun and FlFeb. 1st. 2003owers'" exhibition that was held at Todai-ji Temple in Nara in May of this year has been completed. [Image: Report] [English resume] |
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Sep.1 2002
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1. This summer Tokyo experienced numerous days on which the temperature exceeded 35 degrees centigrade, but relatively low humidity and clear blue skies made for a delightful season. However, upon entering September, the wind carries with it a hint of autumn and the lively sound of the cicadas is gradually replaced by that of the numerous autumn insects. Work on the statues of the Four Devas being produced at the YABUUCHI Satoshi Studios for the main gateway of Seishoji Temple (Minato-ku, Tokyo) is now approaching completion. Three of the statues have already been transported to the temple where the coloring will be carried out and all four are due to be placed in their final positions at the end of October.
2. The following is a translation of an article by YABUUCHI Satoshi on the history the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple, that appears in the September edition of "Hitotoki" published by Wedge Ltd. |
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May.28 2002
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The exhibition "YABUUCHI Satoshi in Todai-ji: 'The Sun and Flowers'"(June.21 New!)that was held for 12 days from May 8 to May 19 at the Kinsho Hall within the grounds of Todai-ji temple in Nara City to commemorate the 1250th anniversary of the consecration of the Great Buddha, the most famous Buddhist statue in Japan, was very successful and received 7,431 visitors. The Kegon sect (Avatamsaka school) of Buddhism, of which Todai-ji is the chief temple in Japan, believes in the fundamental law of the universe that states Birushana-Butsu (Vairocana), whose image the Great Buddha represents, is an existence like that of the sun. Birushana-Butsu shines the light of benevolence across the face of the entire world and every phenomenon that occurs after receiving this light can be likened to the lotus flowers that rise up out of the mud to bloom. It is in order to expound upon this philosophy that "Sun and Flowers" was chosen as the theme for the exhibition, which consisted of approximately sixty works connected with Buddhism that YABUUCHI Satoshi created in the past for various temples around the country, being displayed in such a way as to illustrate this worldview. The Kinsho Hall where the exhibition was held is situated to the west of the huge temple gateway, Nandaimon (a national treasure), that was rebuilt during the twelfth century. This hall originally served as the auditorium/gymnasium for Todai-ji Gakuen, a school affiliated to the temple, but since the school moved to new premises ten years ago, it has adopted the original name of the Todai-ji, Kinsho-ji, and is used as a general-purpose event hall. For the twelve days of the exhibition, its bare interior was suddenly filled with the splendor of the world of Birushana-butsu, much to the surprise of not only the visitors but also the temple priests. A screen bearing a picture of YABUUCHI Satoshi's sculpture of the sun, enlarged to ten times its original size, was hung at the rear of the hall with a statue of Kokuzo-bosatsu (Akasa-garbha-bodhisattva), the symbol of the universe, standing in front of it. This was surrounded by numerous "Lotus Flowers" representing the three thousand worlds, of which ours is one, and included a statue of the newly-born Buddha to symbolize the Buddhist worldview. A circular room was created in the center of the hall to represent the lotus flower upon which our world exists. It was surrounded by statues of the 16 Rakan (Arahats) and the Ten Great Disciples of Buddha, while the center was given over to characters that represent the human world. After the exhibition finished, YABUUCHI Satoshi made the following comment: "The roots of my work as a sculptor may be found in Nara. I often think back to my youth when I was involved in the restoration and study of ancient Buddhist statuary frequently travelling to Nara to see the many statues that remain in Todai-ji and other temples here. As a sculptor I am very proud to have been given this opportunity to exhibit my work here next to the Nandaimon gateway which houses magnificent statues by the twelfth century master-sculptors, Unkei and Kaikei. I would like to express my gratitude to everybody who helped bring about this exhibition and I believe that this experience and the various people I was able to meet as a result, will serve as inspiration in my future activities." Of the works that were exhibited here, "Uwamuki Doji" and "Yamori Doji" (bronze) will be donated to the Todai-ji Seishien school for the handicapped that is run as one of the charitable works carried out by Todai-ji temple. It is my sincere wish that they will become good friends of the forty-odd children who live there. "Works by YABUUCHI Satoshi that appeared at various spots around Todai-ji Temple" In February several works by YABUUCHI Satoshi were photographed around the grounds of Todai-ji Temple in preparation for this exhibition. |
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