The Root of Life

Toyama is blessed with beautiful mountains and seas, where at the same time, craftsmanship in materials such as glass and metal thrives. Its landscapes and picturesque streetscapes are well-preserved, making it one of the premier places that embodies Japan’s original landscape.

I named it “The Root of Life,” hoping it would be an environment where both residents and visitors could cherish these tangible and intangible cultural assets.

I envisioned a cycle that enriches the local community where nature and culture take root in the places where people live and thrive, giving rise to new vitality and bearing fruit.

The picture depicts all the blessings flowing forth from every natural environment; sky, sea, mountains and land; spreading like roots, and connecting to daily life. I imagine these blessings sustaining and protecting the land.

The word “ne (root in Japanese)” also resonates with the French word “né” meaning “born.”
I wish for this place to become a space where the value of various natural blessings and human endeavors take root and generate value.

The original design by Minagawa expresses the blessings of Toyama’s sky, sea, mountains, and land, with nature’s abundance flowing outward like roots that spread across the landscape and sustain everyday life. The artwork symbolizes the idea that these gifts of nature continue to support and protect the region and its people.
Embedded within the work is a hope that both residents and visitors will cherish Toyama’s rich natural environment, its beautiful scenery, and its tangible and intangible cultural heritage, including its renowned craftsmanship, ensuring that these treasures continue to be appreciated for generations to come.