Nano

Hi, I'm Nano.
For nearly 30 years, my family and I have blended into Ube's life, enjoying its culture and community. There are many things I love about the city of Ube, but among them, my favorite has to be the outdoor sculptures scattered throughout the city. They've blended so well into the city that, for those of us who have lived here a long time, they seem like a natural part of our environment, yet each one is incredibly unique and approachable.

The image of a “sculpture" might seem a bit intimidating at first, but the ones in Ube invite you closer with their welcoming vibe. For instance, the bronze statue "Rond" by Akihiko Kurokawa has a charm that makes you want to sit down next to it. Sometimes, you might even find a can of beer placed beside it, leading to whimsical thoughts about someone enjoying a drink with the statue the night before. I believe Ube is unique in how its sculptures are integrated into the lives of its citizens, and I deeply cherish this everyday experience.

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I have been guiding tours in Japanese for about three years and am now ready to do it in English as well. I will share stories about the history of Ube and how it transformed into a city brimming with sculptures. The sculptures in the city were not just placed by the roadside because it seemed like a nice idea; there are truly fascinating stories behind them.

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Let's embark on a journey to explore

the sculptures of Ube together!