Makoto Aida Tokyo Castle

Makoto Aida (1965-) created two castles made out of cardboard and blue tarps. These are both reliable materials as they are durable even though they are cheap. They also share a similar characteristic, as they both symbolize temporariness instead of permanence. Aida has been using these materials for his works since 1995. By utilizing these two materials, this pavilion becomes a representation of human beings’ resilience. It is also a criticism towards modern sculpture which only uses heavy, hard, expensive and long-lasting materials.
The stone mound on which this pavilion is installed was built during the construction of the Meiji Jingu outer gardens, using what once used to be the stone walls supporting the Edo Castle. It was designed and constructed by architectural engineer Toshikata Sano, who led the barracks construction after the Great Kanto Earthquake and also promoted the use of reinforced concrete in primary school buildings. The cardboard and blue tarp castle standing on the stone mound is a message of encouragement - “let’s get through this together” - from Tokyo to various regions in Japan that still suffer from the damages left by disasters. It also represents a strong sense of determination to face disasters that Tokyo is likely to experience someday soon.

Venue: Ginkgo Avenue in Meiji Jingu Gaien
2-1 Kita Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00

Note: There is no dedicated parking lot. Please refrain from coming to the venues by car as parking is limited in the neighborhood.

Please Note:
Do not block the sidewalk or stand still for a long time so as not to obstruct pedestrian traffic.
Do not stay in the middle of the zebra crossing to take photos.
Do not enter the lawn that is surrounded by roping.
WARNING: Climbing on the stone mounds is STRICTLY prohibited.