After nearly half a century, the interior of the "Tower of the Sun" is now open to the public.
The interior of the "Tower of the Sun," created by the late artist Taro Okamoto for the 1970 Japan World Exposition (Osaka Expo), has been restored for the first time in 48 years and opened to the public on March 19.
The Expo was held for 183 days from March to September 1970 at a vast venue in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture.
With the theme "Progress and Harmony of Mankind," it featured participation from 76 countries overseas and 32 organizations domestically. Attendance during the period reached approximately 64 million people, making it a historic event symbolizing Japan's 1970s.
The Tower of the Sun was constructed as part of the Theme Pavilion in the venue's Symbol Zone.
Its upper section features the "Golden Face" symbolizing the future, along with the "Sun Face" and the "Black Sun," giving it three faces. The interior was hollow, serving as an exhibition space expressing the evolution of life. Reaching a height of approximately 70 meters, the tower became beloved as a landmark of the venue with its unique design.
After the Expo closed, the theme pavilion was dismantled, but the tower remained standing, serving as a symbol of Osaka for nearly half a century. While its interior was generally closed to the public, Osaka Prefecture decided to restore the interior exhibits alongside seismic retrofitting work on the tower, advancing the project since 2016.
This time, the long-lost golden mask "Sun of the Underground" (approx. 3 meters in diameter, 11 meters wide), the 41-meter-tall "Tree of Life," and approximately 180 biological models have been restored, leading to its opening to the public. Inside, the "Ode to Life," composed by the late Toshiro Mayuzumi, plays as it did back then.
Ahead of the public opening, a commemorative ceremony was held on the 18th at the plaza in front of the Tower of the Sun entrance. Attendees included Osaka Prefecture Governor Ichiro Matsui and members of the popular band Dreams Come True (DOKUM).
Following a fanfare by the local Minoh Jiyu Gakuen High School brass band, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place, followed by a preview event.
Following the ceremony, DREAMS COME TRUE held a special free live concert (sponsored by Duskin and Japan Post Insurance). They performed "Osaka LOVER" (released in 2007), a song featuring lyrics about the Tower of the Sun. Approximately 7,000 audience members, selected by lottery, celebrated the start of the interior opening with a live concert against the backdrop of the tower.
Advance reservations are required for interior tours.
Official website: http://taiyounotou-expo70.jp/
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