Relocation Case Studies
CASE 01
Art Passed Down as the City Evolves
Relocation of a Ceramic Relief during the Redevelopment of Shibuya Station’s East Exit
The Ceramic Relief “Bright Time,” originally installed in a connecting passage at Shibuya Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line in 2000, was relocated and reinstalled in a passage inside the ticket gates toward Shibuya Hikarie.
“Bright Time” was created from an Original Painting by AMATSU Kei, an artist known for her lyrical worlds of vivid color, who also served as Supervisor.
The artwork was originally installed in the connecting passage between the Ginza Line and the Inokashira Line. It was temporarily removed during infrastructure improvements in the Shibuya Station district and relocated to the station building that opened in 2020.
For the relocation, the Ceramic Relief was cut into six sections and removed from the wall. It was then repaired and cleaned at the Studio. When the artwork was reinstalled, the cut joints were finished using kintsugi.
The colorful Ceramic Relief now brings even greater vibrancy to the predominantly white passage, which is accented with orange, the line color of the Ginza Line.
Before relocation
Removal
Cleaning and repair at the Studio
Reinstallation
CASE 02
Light Passed into the Future across Time
Relocation of the Large-Scale Stained Glass at JR Ueno Station Now Underway
“Spring in 1985, Japan’s Flowers at Hometowns” is a Stained Glass artwork created to commemorate the opening of the Tohoku and Joetsu Shinkansen services at Ueno Station in 1985.
The artwork was based on an Original Painting by HIRAYAMA Ikuo, who also served as Supervisor.
Following renovation work in the central concourse of JR Ueno Station, the artwork is scheduled to be reinstalled inside the Shinkansen ticket gates during fiscal year 2026.
It was previously relocated in 2002 from the Shinkansen concourse on the third floor of the station to the central concourse. This project therefore marks the artwork’s second relocation.
Before relocation
Removal
Removal
Restoration at the Studio: Glass replacement
Restoration at the Studio: Glass cutting
Restoration at the Studio: Template
Restoration at the Studio
CASE 03
A Scene of Learning Passed On beyond Its Original Setting
Relocation of a Mosaic Mural following the Closure of Musashino Art University’s Kichijoji Campus
A mosaic mural created by students under the guidance of HASEGAWA Roka was relocated from the Kichijoji Campus to the Takanodai Campus.
The mural was relocated using a facing technique with washi paper, a method employed in the conservation and restoration of cultural properties.
Before relocation
Removal
Removal
Restoration at the Studio
Reinstallation completed
CASE 04
A Ceramic Relief Preserved as a Symbol of Its Community
Relocation of a Ceramic Relief during the Reconstruction of Tokyo Skytree Station
“TO THE SKY” is a Ceramic Relief designed and supervised by sculptor SUMIKAWA Kiichi. It was installed in the first-floor concourse of Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Skytree Line in 2012 to coincide with the opening of Tokyo Skytree.
The artwork was removed in 2020 and subsequently repaired and stored at the Studio. In 2025, it was successfully reinstalled inside the new East Exit ticket gates of the reconstructed station building.
This Ceramic Relief combines the image of Tokyo Skytree rising into the sky as the world’s tallest broadcasting tower with traditional Japanese imagery associated with the historic Narihira area.
Widely cherished by station users, the artwork brings increased activity and vibrancy to the new station building.
Before relocation
Removal
Restoration at the Studio
Reinstallation completed
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