迫力と緻密な造形…砂の美術館で日本テーマに「砂で世界旅行」25日開幕“万博効果”にも期待（鳥取）

[Broadcast on April 24, 2025] An exhibition of sand sculptures with a Japan theme will begin on April 25th at the Tottori Sand Dunes Sand Museum in Tottori City. Ahead of the opening, announcer Fukushima Mutsumi will report from the Sand Museum. Announcer Fukushima Mutsumi: The powerful expression of the legendary monster Yamata no Orochi! And Susanoo no Mikoto confronting Orochi! A scene that could be called the highlight of Izumo mythology has been reproduced using only sand. We have arrived at the Tottori Sand Dunes Sand Museum in Tottori City. Every year, the Sand Museum exhibits sand sculptures created with the motif of landscapes and people from all over the world under the theme of "Traveling the World with Sand". This will be the 16th sand sculpture exhibition, and for the first time, the theme will be "Japan", and it was planned to coincide with the Osaka-Kansai Expo. The venue features 19 works created by sand sculptors from 12 countries, including Japan, Italy, and Russia. A total of about 3,000 tons of sand was used. With the theme of "Japan," the works allow visitors to feel the history, nature, and culture of Japan from the mythical age to the present day. The work "Warring States Warlord Oda Nobunaga" even expresses Nobunaga's sharp gaze and posture, creating a sense of tension as if he were there. Also, ukiyo-e, which was created during the Edo period. Japan's world-renowned culture has been revived in the present day. This is the Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in Temple in Uji, Kyoto, which is also familiar from the 10 yen coin. The graceful symmetrical shape and the surrounding gardens have been meticulously reproduced. If you go to the very back of the venue, you will see Mount Fuji, Himeji Castle, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto. A "World Heritage Site" in Japan, reproduced on a grand scale of 5 meters high and 20 meters wide. When you get close, you will see the intricacy and overwhelming size. Seeing Japan recreated in sand may bring new discoveries to Japan. The Japan-themed "16th Exhibition" will be held from April 25th to January 4th, 2026. The Sand Museum is also focusing on PR both domestically and internationally to capitalize on demand for "plus one" travel beyond the Expo, aiming to reach the 500,000 mark.