My Visit to Tokyo Gendai and The Impression of OSANBASHI YOKOHAMA
Gendai (contemporary) art! As the name suggests, Tokyo Gendai was a grand and
wonderful exhibition where many leading galleries and artists generously displayed their
representative works. Many works by popular artists were already sold out. There are trends
in the world of painting as well, and I could clearly sense a certain influence from the Venice
Biennale in some of the works on display.
These were works by Aki Kondo. She created them using oil pastels, and at the Venice Biennale, I also saw many works by African artists with a similar touch. Their highly distinctive compositions and style made me feel the same trend I had sensed at the Venice Biennale, and this only made me want to collect them evenmore.
The art fair took place at Pacifico Yokohama, a very large venue befitting a major art fair.
Stylish restaurants and renowned brands such as Dior also took part as sponsors, adding an extra touch of glamour to the event. There are also many attractions nearby, so I can say
with confidence that you won't be bored at all once you leave the venue.
I would like to introduce a place I personally loved. It is Yokohama Osanbashi.
Yokohama Osanbashi is one of the world's most unique and magnificent wooden rooftop
decks. Its 4,000-square-meter rooftop plaza, shaped like the back of a whale, is part of an
internationally acclaimed design by FOA (Foreign Office Architects).
It is also an important international passenger terminal. At night, the view is spectacular and
has often been featured on television, making it easy to lose track of time. If you listen
carefully, you can even hear the cheers from Yokohama Stadium. What's more, enjoying a
glass of wine at Bay Side Bistro 1-1 & The Rooftop was a wonderful experience.
However, the early morning offers a completely different kind of beauty.
The morning sea breeze is refreshing, and watching the sun rise from the middle of the
Yokohama Bay Bridge is a scene that seems to represent the beauty of Japan. With very few people around in the early morning, you can also enjoy a quiet and peaceful moment.
If you get hungry while strolling around, there is a small cafeteria at the foot of the bridge
that is regularly used by sailors. You can get a set of curry rice and soba noodles for only 600 yen. Nothing beats food that is cheap, good, and filling!
I can understand why this quiet port city, just a short trip from the overwhelming bustle of
Tokyo, is so dearly loved by the people of Yokohama.
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