Memory of the Earth

Inactive
Open irregularly
Photo Kioku Keizo

Information and Map

About the artwork

This is a artwork that has been ongoing since the launch of the Karekimata Project. A circular rice field known as kurumada was created in 2009, and sawtooth oak seedlings were planted to be used as rice racks (for drying harvested crops). Rice was planted for the first time in 2018, allowing the harvested rice to be dried on the fully-grown rice racks by autumn. This year, the project took on the challenges of natural farming methods with the cooperation of volunteers living in Karekimata district. In early June, the now-rare Sasashigure, a parent variety of Sasanishiki rice, was planted along with black rice inspired by the three huge cedar trees standing beside Ryuo Gongen Shrine. The sawtooth oak trees have become a gathering place for rhinoceros beetles and stag beetles attracted by the sap. “I’d love to hear the sounds of excited children catching insects at Karekimata Branch School, which is now closed (comments from the artist).”
Materials: Quercus acutissima, water, soil, rice

Information and Map

Artwork no. T268
Production year 2009 2012 2015 2018 2022
Opening hours Daytime
Admission - (Depending on the period, Passport for viewing artworks and common tickets may be sold.)
Closed Closed on Tue & Wed except holidays (Outdoor artworks can be viewed even on regular closing day.) / Winter season
Area Tokamachi
Village Higashi karekimata
Open dates Open irregularly
Venue 601, Nakajo, Tokamachi-city, Niigata prefecture
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