A Monumental Ceramic Relief Unveiled in Tokyo's Ginza Station by Katsuhiro Otomo

Commuters and art enthusiasts passing through the bustling Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line are now greeted by a monumental new public artwork. A large-scale ceramic relief titled "Procession Spin," illustrated and supervised by the world-renowned manga artist and film director Katsuhiro Otomo, was unveiled to the public on December 15, 2025.

The ambitious project was planned and produced by the Japan Traffic Culture Association, with sponsorship from the Seiko Group Corporation and the Metro Cultural Foundation, in cooperation with Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. The artwork is installed near Exit B1 of the station, transforming the transit space into a portal of artistic and historical contemplation.

A Dense Wave of Art History, from Jomon to the Future

The title "Procession Spin" reflects the core concept of the piece: a visual expression of the unbroken continuity of human artistic creation. The relief depicts a large, dynamic wave densely populated with a myriad of forms. These include representations of existing artworks and architectural structures, spiritual figures, and futuristic, imaginative expressions.

Otomo's vision visualizes the uninterrupted flow of art from ancient times, specifically referencing Japan's Jomon period (c. 14,000–300 BCE), through the present day and into the future. The work embodies the thoughts, prayers, and creative impulses that humans have sought to express across different eras, all spinning forward in a continuous procession.

Overwhelming Scale and Meticulous Craftsmanship

The physical presence of "Procession Spin" is designed to make a powerful impact on viewers. The ceramic relief measures an impressive 2.4 meters in height and 7.0 meters in width, creating an overwhelming sense of scale. It is composed of 168 individual pieces (164 ceramic and 4 bronze), assembled to form the complete image.

The creation of this masterpiece was a marathon effort spanning approximately five years. After Otomo spent about three years completing the original drawing, a team of seven master artisans from the Creare Atami Yugawara Studio in Shizuoka Prefecture dedicated another two years to physically producing the relief. The studio is renowned for its advanced techniques in ceramic and stained glass art.

Technical Mastery: Color, Texture, and Detail

The artisans employed extraordinary technical skill to realize Otomo's intricate vision:

• A staggering palette of 290 different glazes was combined to achieve the work's complex coloration.
• Specific sections feature unique textures: the Jomon pottery is finished with refined rice paddy soil mixed into the glaze, the central Eleven-Faced Kannon statue is adorned with gold leaf, and futuristic elements have a metallic sheen from low-temperature glazes.
• Notably, Otomo personally applied the color to the motorcycle sticker motif located at the bottom left of the composition.

Profile: Katsuhiro Otomo

The artist behind the work, Katsuhiro Otomo, is a seminal figure in global pop culture. Born in 1954, he achieved international fame with his groundbreaking manga and anime film "AKIRA." His accolades are numerous, including being inducted into the Eisner Comics Hall of Fame, winning the Grand Prix at the Angoulême International Comics Festival, and receiving the prestigious Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French government. "Procession Spin" represents another significant entry in his portfolio of public art, following earlier works at Sendai Airport and Tokyo University of Science.

Artwork Summary

• Title: Procession Spin
• Artist: Katsuhiro Otomo (Original drawing and supervision)
• Location: Near Exit B1, Ginza Station, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
• Dimensions: 2.4m (H) x 7.0m (W)
• Materials: 164 ceramic pieces, 4 bronze pieces
• Public Access Began: December 15, 2025