Despite being in a prominent place called Sukiyabashi Park, the copper engraving commemorating the reconstruction of the earthquake, "Lighthouse" by Seibo Kitamura (1884-1987) is not attracting much attention. This memorial tower, which is right next to the long line seeking a jumbo lottery, is unlikely to be noticeable. This sculpture was 45 years old Nishibo, a professor at Tokyo Bijutsu School at the time, and exhibited at the 12th Tei Exhibition in 1931 (1931) in 1933 (1933), the tenth year of the Great Kanto Earthquake through a community donation. It was installed as an earthquake monument on September 1st.
There is a lion, a king of beasts, at the feet of a young man wearing a helmet holding a torch. Is it a powerful male image that Nishibo is good at symbolizing the city of Tokyo, which is revived robustly? The design of the pedestal is also Nishibo, with a self-written nameplate of the slogan "Preparing for unexpected earthquakes" that was solicited for sweepstakes.
It is said that "natural disasters come when you forget them", but recently it may be better to say, "I will come soon after you forget." When I go to Yurakucho, I often stop by this statue and keep in mind that I will be prepared for my daily routine. I hope the new year will be a calm year without disaster.
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Seibo Kitamura is from Nagasaki Prefecture, a person who studied with the goal of two geniuses, Fumio Asakura and Taimu Tatehata, and worked hard to embody his favorite words, "Tamazaru Walking Soroshi Cochlea." In Tokyo, you can see many works of Saibo at the sculpture garden in the Inokashira Natural Culture Park. In 1958 (1958), Fumio Asakura was the second medal of culture, followed by Fumio Asakura, and in 1980 (1980), honorary citizen of Tokyo and honorary citizen of Nagasaki Prefecture. In 1987 (1987), he died long at the age of 102. The late masterpiece "Nagasaki Peace Prayer Statue" was completed in 1955 in five years with many difficulties, slander, and obstruction, and now prays for the happiness of war victims and world peace. .
`One more thing,'
The winner of the sumo wrestling Tokyo main place will be awarded the Tokyo Governor's Award, but the prize is a statue of "Lion Guijin" by Seibo Kitamura. The first prize winner in May 1981 (1981) was the lake of Toyoko Tsunakita at the time, the president of the Sumo Association, who died suddenly the other day.
