Magnified Fields

Since I immigrated to the U.S., I have come in contact with people from many nations living in this country, which would not have happened in my native Japan. Information gained through my personal contacts have given me knowledge of different perspectives, particularly about Japanese militarism in Asia in the second quarter of the 20th century. Driven by my need to know more, I have traveled and searched to find the historical facts hidden from our generation. Why did Japanese commit such terrible war crimes? While repeating this question endlessly in my mind, and continuing my lonely travels, I tried to convey my own understanding through art.

The wall relief series “Magnified Field” was born from this background, in a circular format, representing both the Asian hemisphere of the world and microscopic fields which focus in on specimens of war. Through this series, I reflect on the history and investigate issues such as racism, colonialism, power, aggression, intimidation among countries, isolation, biological warfare and scientific conscience, survival, brainwashing, fanaticism, culture clash and intolerance.

“ 拡大した視界“　アメリカに移住して以来多くの国々からきた人達と接触する機会を
得た。これは日本では経験出来ない事だった。ある人から聞いた情報は異なった見方がある事を教えてくれた。特に20世紀前半のアジアに於ける日本の軍国主義に関して別の展望がある事を知った時私はもっとしりたいという要求にかられ旅行をしたり探索したりした。
この事は日本の私達の世代から隠されていた歴史上の事実だった。何故日本人はあの様な恐るべき戦争犯罪を犯したのか、この問いを限りなく心の中で繰り返し孤独な旅を続ける一方自分なりの解釈を美術を通じて伝えようと試みた。