A Franco-German artist is tasked reinterpreting an iconic symbol of Japanese culture. The torii gate is usually seen outside of Shinto shrines as a marker designating an entrance into a sacred space. Benoît Maubrey is creating a more interactive version than the traditional red ones found throughout Japan.
Meriken Park in Kobe will be the site of a torii made entirely out of 300 recycled speakers. The sculpture is functional and includes a four-way channel so visitors can speak to one another through the gate using a microphone or their smartphones. When it’s not in use, the gate will emit varying kinds of white noise.
Kobe City Hall is currently accepting speakers on Maubrey’s behalf. He previously made other sculptures blending electronics and the divine including his sculpture “Temple” in Germany.
SPEAKER SCULPTURES from Benoit Maubrey on Vimeo.
[Via Japan Trends]
More from Anime News Network:
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan’s Poképark Kanto Pokémon theme park area shows first attraction photos
Man with face covered in tattoos admits to repeatedly headbutting Tokyo store clerk【Video】
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan’s Poképark Kanto Pokémon theme park area shows first attraction photos
Man with face covered in tattoos admits to repeatedly headbutting Tokyo store clerk【Video】
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Our visit to the coolest Book Off used Japanese book store that we’ve ever seen
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
Cup Noodle releases new Tomica “car” collection
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Our visit to the coolest Book Off used Japanese book store that we’ve ever seen
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
Cup Noodle releases new Tomica “car” collection
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Train continues to stop at rural station for lone schoolgirl until she graduates in March
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
Foreign resident of Japan starts work as city’s first-ever non-Japanese rickshaw puller【Photos】
Anime con aboard aircraft carrier attracts moe warships of all kinds, from the cute to the manly
You can now visit a recreation of Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 and live there in miniature form in【Pics】
Electric conveyor belt sushi kit brings the fun of a revolving sushi restaurant into your home
What makes a good boss in Japan? Workers sound off in survey
Best practices for celebrating Coming of Age Day for those turning 18, 20, or both in Japan
Leave a Reply