Hamamatsu, where the highest temperature in Japan this summer was recorded at 41.1 degrees Celsius, is finally starting to feel the autumn breeze. “Autumn Festa 2020″ has begun at Hamanako Garden Park. This year’s period is approximately one month from September 26th (Saturday) to November 3rd (Tuesday/holiday). Along with 400,000 cosmos trees, there will be events that people of all ages can enjoy, such as nature yoga on the lawn, children’s sketching classes, and ground golf, so you can enjoy “autumn of art” and “autumn of sports” all at once. can.

Hamanako Garden Park hosted the Hamanako Flower Expo in 2004, and more than 5 million people visited in six months. Admission is free and parking is available, and it is a popular spot decorated with colorful flowers and trees each season. Although the park is crowded with people, the grounds are large so you can enjoy a walk without worrying about crowds.

"International Garden Art Gallery"

 

The purpose of my visit this time was the “International Garden Art Gallery” where iron objects are on display. It is located across the river from the landmark observation tower.

“Iron object” What kind of image do you have when you hear this word? The material and color may give an impression of being cold, hard, heavy, and a bit unrelated. But if you look at this place, that concept will change.

The exhibit is sponsored by Hamamatsu Art, Iron, and People (Hamamatsu Art), a Hamamatsu artist group that creates works using the material iron.

“Hamamatsu Art, Iron, People” has been cooperating with the exhibition since 2016, and this is the fifth consecutive year. Iron objects have already become an autumn feature at Garden Park, and this year, works by four artists (Naito Kogyo Co., Ltd., midnight pumpkin, Kobo Tsushima, and Miho Tsuchiya) are on display.

Earlier, I mentioned that iron objects have a somewhat distant image, but metal materials such as iron are familiar to Hamamatsu, a city of manufacturing. Motorcycles, musical instruments, textiles (looms), and automobiles all use metal. It seems that there are many artists who use iron as a material to create works because of this kind of soil.

At the venue, we spoke with Mr. Teruyuki Naito, the author and secretary of “Hamamatsu Art, Steel, and People”. “Objets and works of art tend to be difficult to get into, but I want people to have an opportunity to come into contact with iron easily,” says Mr.  Naito.

The iron objects on the soft green lawn are a Halloween-themed lineup, and even though they are made of cold metal, they all have a humorous and warm feel to them. The brown rust adds to the taste and warmth of the work, and it blends in with the natural surroundings, such as spider webs and grass.

On this day, many people stopped to take pictures and exclaimed, “It’s a pumpkin!” and “It’s Halloween!” The work is surrounded by ropes to prevent children from getting injured or rust staining their clothes. Apparently it’s okay to take photos next to them as long as you’re careful not to get injured. I want you to see it up close and get a feel for how it’s made and the skill of the craftsmen.

Although the event is currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Mr. Naito is also planning a “welding experience” for people who are unfamiliar with the “manufacturing” field. It’s also gratifying to see my work and get interested in making things.

Some of the works on display this time have caught the attention of video production companies and have been used in TV dramas. We would like you to post your works of “Hamamatsu Art, Iron, People” on social media along with the beautiful flowers and flowers of Hamanako Garden Park. The iron objects made in Hamamatsu may become famous from the photos you take.

It’s a place where you can go out with your pet, and many people bring their dogs with them. One of the ways to enjoy it is to meet different kinds of dogs.

From now on, many people are probably looking forward to seeing the pink cosmos fields swaying in the wind under the autumn sky. Check out Hamanako Garden Park’s website for information on cosmos flowering and Autumn Festa event dates and times, and enjoy the many autumn experiences that Hamamatsu has to offer.

 

●Hamanako Garden Park

「https://www.hamanako-gardenpark.jp/」

5475-1 Murakushicho, Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture 431-1207

TEL 053-488-1500

Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29th to January 3rd)