#Japan #Narita #Narita Airport #Reflect Art #Marina Suzuki

A Unique Art Installation at Narita International Airport

In a bold and colorful project, Narita International Airport's Terminal 1 has unveiled a stunning art installation titled "every ending, new beginning". This initiative, set to launch in the spring of 2025 on the fourth floor of the main terminal building, aims to enhance the travel experience by introducing creativity into the airport environment. The project serves as both a canvas and a celebration of travel; it combines art with the beauty of cherry blossoms, representing the joy of departures and the warmth of reunions.

Project Overview

Conducted by Reflect Art Inc., a company dedicated to creating opportunities for artistic engagement, this display features four large-scale art pieces that capture the essence of momentous travel moments. By merging themes of airports, cherry blossoms, and art, the installation is designed to evoke feelings of nostalgia, wonder, and hope. Each of the four walls of the display will showcase unique interpretations of the initiation of travel and the happiness associated with meeting loved ones again.

Theme Breakdown: "every ending, new beginning"

The theme reflects the cyclical nature of travel—how every ending can lead to a new adventure. Four artists have collaborated to visualize this concept by depicting cherry blossom petals taking flight from Japan to global skies and finding their way back, symbolizing connections among people and the emotional journeys that bridge goodbyes and new beginnings.

One of the most eye-catching elements of this installation is the collaborative effort involving children from the airport nursery, Tanpopo. Through workshops, the young artists contributed their creative expressions to the installation, embodying the sense of community and shared experiences.

Meet the Artists

1. Marina Suzuki: Born in 1988 in Toshima, Tokyo, Marina has made a name for herself by creating original merchandise for renowned exhibitions, including those of Van Gogh. Her work at the G7 Hiroshima Summit in 2023 highlights her commitment to sustainability.
2. Mizuki Hosoya: A 2000-born artist from Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Mizuki has displayed her artworks in numerous commercial spaces and collaborated with JR East on art showcases.
3. Mizuki Niwayama: Originally from Niigata, Mizuki transitioned from nursing to art, focusing on heartfelt expressions that resonate with individuals on a personal level.
4. Nozomi Wada: A plush toy creator and illustrator born in Toshima, Tokyo, she runs workshops that engage both children and adults in unique art experiences, enriching their lives with creativity.

The Creation Process

The installation spans an impressive 40 meters wide and 3 meters high, with the four artists dedicating an intense 16 hours across two nights to hand-paint the artwork. The atmosphere of the midnight airport added a layer of complexity as they navigated lighting and spatial considerations, ensuring that their artistic vision aligned perfectly with the environment. The texture and depth of the hand-painted pieces deliver a striking contrast to mass-produced art, offering a unique sensory experience that captivates visitors.

This transformative project invites travelers to pause and engage with art in a setting typically designed for transit. It changes the airport’s ambiance from a transient space to a memorable artistic encounter, ensuring that every traveler's journey begins and ends on a note of creativity and emotional resonance.

Exhibition Details

• - Location: Narita International Airport Terminal 1, 4th floor
• - Opening Date: March 12, 2025, for approximately one year
• - Admission: Free

Visitors are encouraged to explore the project freely and immerse themselves in this artistic celebration of travel and human connection. Alongside the exhibition, a specialized shop named "Monono Art" at Terminal 2 will offer unique artworks and items reflecting the talents of participating artists, promoting a treasure-hunting experience for art lovers and travelers alike.

About Reflect Art Inc.

Reflect Art Inc. is committed to making art accessible and relevant, focusing on creating opportunities for initial encounters with art. Based in Taito, Tokyo, the company aims to reflect creativity and cultivate a sustainable environment for artists, fostering future encounters with art in our everyday lives.

With a vision that intertwines community building with artistic expression, Reflect Art is poised to make a lasting impact on the travel experience at Narita Airport and beyond.