From the World Heritage Site of Horyuji Temple to the World. DANDELION” exhibition praying for peace.

NAKED, INC. is producing and directing digital art for the “Horyuji Special Light-Up in Ikaruga Town, Nara Prefecture” (hosted by Ikaruga Town, Nara Prefecture), which will be held from October 21 to November 5, 2023, at the World Heritage Site of Horyuji Temple (Ikaruga Town, Ikoma County, Nara Prefecture).

– Comment from the organizer: Ikaruga Town, Nara Prefecture –

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the registration of Buddhist monuments in the Horyu-ji area as World Heritage sites, we have decided to create an interactive and experiential space with digital art on the approach to Horyu-ji Temple, at Nandaimon gate and in the precincts of Horyu-ji Temple under the theme “Horyu-ji Temple: 1400 Years of Historical Heritage for the Future” in cooperation with Horyu-ji Temple. We hope that this digital artwork will be an opportunity for Horyuji Temple, which has been loved for more than 1,400 years, to send a message to the world and to the future about the protection of cultural properties and environmental preservation. During the period of the digital art, we will also offer special experiential contents to experience Japanese Buddhist culture, such as sutra and Buddha copying, etc. We sincerely look forward to your visit to our town.

Mayor of Ikaruga Town Kazuo Nakanishi

Autumn evening with lantern art in hand, visiting the illuminated National Treasure Nandaimon gate and pine forest

Horyu-ji Temple was the first temple in Japan to be registered as a World Heritage site, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of its registration. The National Treasure Nandaimon will be illuminated to highlight its historical formative beauty, and projection mapping will be performed. The earthen walls that rise at both ends of Nandaimon will be painted with an autumnal scene that is unmistakably Japanese, creating a fantastic nighttime experience.

The pine forest that symbolizes the approach to Horyuji Temple will be enveloped by Naked’s delicate lighting and music, creating a dynamic and majestic world. NAKED Distance Lanterns ®︎”, a participatory artwork that allows you to be part of the light production, and Naked’s digital art will color Horyu-ji Temple in autumn.

The first of its kind in Nara Prefecture! One-night-only exhibition of art for peace that connects with the world

DANDELION PROJECT,” an artwork conceived by artist Ryotaro Muramatsu, will make its first appearance in Nara Prefecture for one day only on Saturday, October 28, during the World Heritage Summit. When visitors blow on the “DANDELION” interactive art object, a large dandelion, digital fluff will fly to a dandelion planted (installed) in another location, where it will bloom into a digital flower.

This art project began in the fall of 2020, when the world was easily disconnected due to the Corona disaster, and has so far connected 48 locations in 8 countries around the world. At Horyu-ji Temple, the first temple in Japan to be registered as a World Heritage site and celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, we will create a special one-night-only experience to deliver dandelion fluff to the world with wishes for the maintenance and succession of cultural heritage and the peaceful development of Horyu-ji Temple, and with the people who have gathered to make their wishes known.

<Introduction of Works>

National Treasure, Nandaimon Gate / approach, pine forest： “Autumn Colored Leaves (Shusai Momiji)

The historical beauty of the Nandaimon gate is highlighted by lighting up the night sky of Nara with a delicate glow. Projection mapping on the earthen walls on either side of the gate depicts an autumn scene with a distinctly Japanese flavor, further enhancing the beautiful night of Nara.

The pine forest that symbolizes the approach to Horyu-ji Temple is enveloped by gentle light and music. The illuminated pine forest comes to life beautifully and dynamically, creating a majestic world.

〈October 28 , one day only〉

National Treasure, Nandaimon：”DANDELION PROJECT”

Artist Ryotaro Muramatsu’s artwork delivers a wish for peace.

Five-storied Pagoda, National Treasure, and Naka-mon Gate, National Treasure：Light up

The five-story pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Japan, and the Naka-mon Gate, the original entrance to the Sai-in Temple, are illuminated. The beauty of the style that has remained since the Asuka Period comes to life in all its splendor.

NAKED Distance Lanterns®.

NAKED’s artistic lanterns were created at the Corona Disaster. The circle of light from the lanterns projected on the ground creates a participatory artwork that makes visitors feel as if they are part of the light. The lanterns are decorated with camellia, yamacha flower, and persimmon patterns associated with Ikaruga-cho and Horyu-ji Temple, allowing visitors to rediscover the charm of the area.

Outline of ”Special Lighting of Horyuji Temple in Ikaruga Town to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Its Registration as a World Heritage Site”

Event name：”Horyuji Temple Special Light-up in Ikaruga Town in Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of World Heritage Site Registration

Venue：Horyuji Temple, the head temple of the Shotoku Sect (Ikaruga-machi, Ikoma-gun, Nara Prefecture)

Period：Saturday, October 21, 2023 – Sunday, November 5, 2023

Hours：18:00 – 21:00 (last admission 20:45) Admission free

Official website for domestic visitors：https: //widgets.bokun.io/online-sales/509bba56-6dc4-4f8b-a934-377d3cdc1570/product-list/68919

Official website for overseas visitors：https://horyuji-ikaruga-nara.or.jp/saishido2023/

Organized by：Ikaruga Town

Cooperation：Horyuji Temple / Ikaruga-cho Tourist Association

Planning/Direction/Production: NAKED, INC.