About the artwork

In the past rice straw rope making was common in Akakura village. Even now, shimenawa (sacred straw ropes), rice bags, and straw takarabune (treasure boat) good luck charms, are crafted. The artist used German and Japanese newspapers and with the help from the elders of Akakura wove 1000 paper ropes. These were netted and hung across the school music room to create a representation of contemporary internet society. A beach ball with a bell inside, symbolizing our “world,” was placed on the network, and visitors could roll the ball as they liked. The tinkling bell leads to reflection on our world from this small music room.