Street Art

~Some time ago, I mentioned that many commonplace objects in Japan are works of art. For example, I spotted this design on a historical display along a street in Nagaoka:

^ The four sections of this design each have one of the symbols of Nagaoka. On the left is the Chosei bridge, famous for its ridged design and for having the fireworks explode over it. On the top is a fireworks explosion, while on the right is a person skiing. On the bottom is Nagaoka Castle, surrounded the ubiquitous cherry blossoms.

^ Here is one of the sewer manholes in Nagaoka, with a design identical to the previous image. These add a touch of class to otherwise dull streets.

^ Another design from the historical display. This one features cherry blossoms, fireworks, the castle, and one of Nagaoka's famous flame pots:

^ The flame pots (of which this is an oversize reproduction) were created in prehistoric Japan by the Jomon culture, which thrived thousands of years ago. The reason the pots are a symbol of Nagaoka is that a village from the Late Jomon period (~1500-1000 B.C.E.) was discovered an excavated in the Western part of the city several years ago. The village contained huts, fire pits, and several beautiful flame pots.

Today, the village has been reconstructed on the exact archaeological site, which is now Fujihashi History Plaza. I've been meaning to visit for some time now but haven't had the opportunity yet.

^ The corresponding manhole cover for the flame pot design. The number of these and the previous design are split more-or-less evenly throughout the city. About half of the street manholes have one of the two designs, while the rest of them are undecorated.

^ Over in Niigata, they get color! This is a beautiful design for what is, in reality, a simple maintenance hatch. The hirigana writing on the lower-left reads, "Niigata". Why bother decorating such commonplace objects? Perhaps, as this design suggests, we could all stand to slow down the frantic pace of our lives and appreciate the beauty in everyday things. ~Oyasumi!