teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces | teamLab

Sep 30, 2024 - PermanentIzura, Ibaraki

teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces
In Izura, where the modern Japanese scholar and art critic Okakura Tenshin lived in his later years, there was a mountain along the coast that was difficult to enter.

Coming out of the deep mountain forest there was a valley.

There were remains of rain-fed rice terraces, now a marshland covered in reeds.

They looked like secret rice terraces.

Thinking about the long existence of nature and human activity continuing together, we decided to create artworks of the remains of the rice field terraces hidden in the forest. 

Then, walking around the forest covering the ruins of the rice terraces and surveying the vegetation, we thought to make the entire forest covering the ruins of the rice terraces into an artwork space that is at one with the surrounding plants.

teamLab's project, Digitized Nature, explores how nature can become art. The concept of the project is that non-material digital technology can turn nature into art without harming it. 

The artworks explore how the existence of these forms can be used as they are to create a place where we can transcend the boundary in our understanding of the continuity of time and feel the long, long continuity of life. Using these existences that embody long periods of time as they are, we can experiment with transcending the boundary in our understanding of the long continuity of time and  even today continue to accumulate meaning in this place.

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ARTWORKS

Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces

Coming out of the deep mountain forest there was a valley. There were remains of rain-fed rice terraces, now a marshland covered in reeds. They looked like secret rice terraces.Thinking about the long existence of nature and human activity continuing together, we decided to create artworks of the remains of the rice field terraces hidden in the forest. 

Water Mirror Path through the Hidden Rice Terraces

A path on the water surface of rice terraces.

Resonating Universe in the Tabunoki Tree

According to various studies, forest trees are connected by a network of mycorrhizal fungi, recognizing each other and providing each other with nutrients. At the center of this coexistence and mutual support are large, long-lived trees. Forest ecologist Suzanne Simard calls such large trees "mother trees."
When a person stands near the Tabunoki Tree, the nearest sphere shines brightly and resonates a tone. The surrounding spheres respond one after another, and the light and tone continues to resonate out.
In the Man'yoshu, the oldest surviving collection of Japanese poetry compiled between the late 7th and late 8th centuries, there is a poem that is said to refer to the tsumama, or tabunoki tree. "Looking at the tsumama on the beach, it looks like a tree that has grown roots and has aged for a long long time. What a godly thing it is". Even 1200 years ago, people would have felt a sense of mysticism when they saw the roots of these giant trees that stretched long out into the entire forest.

Cut Out Continuous Life

A photograph of a forest is produced using a lens that captures the light of the forest. This work captures the forest as it is through light alone.

Flowers Bloom When the Waves Rise - Sea of Izura

Flowers bloom when the waves rise. The flowers continue to bloom only for a short time, until the wave becomes a part of the ocean once more.
When the waves rise, we can feel a powerful breath of life, as though life is blooming. It feels as though each wave has a life of its own. But when the waves collapse and disappear, we realize, with a sense of fragility, that they were a part of the ocean. And that ocean is connected to all of the other oceans. In other words, all of the waves in the world are connected to each other.The waves seem alive because life is like a rising wave. It is a miraculous phenomenon that continuously emerges from a single, continuous ocean.

Traces of Continuous Life

Traces of everything connected and continuing within an infinitely long, continuous time that we cannot perceive.

Resonating Secret Valley and Forest

When people or animals pass close to the trees, the trees shine brightly and produce a tone. That light and tone then spreads out continuously, one by one, to the surrounding trees.If a wave of light comes from afar, it signifies the presence of people or animals there. Perhaps, people gain a heightened sense of awareness of the existence of other people or animals in the same space and the environment.

Concrete and Abstract

When people stop inside the artwork space, a new set of lines is born and spreads across the space.The combination of the lines turns the trees into flattened layers.

Cognitive Solidified Spark

We do not perceive the world we see, we see the world we perceive.
A sphere made of accumulated rays of light floating in the forest.The light radiates from the center in infinite fine rays, creating its spherical shape. The light source remains motionless, yet the countless lines emitting from it wriggle continuously.
The sphere has no surface boundary, and the perception of the boundary between the artwork and the body is ambiguous.What is this sphere? Why do the rays of lines undulate?Our cognitive perception of the world exists within us.
And if we perceive this sphere made of accumulated lines, the world we understand will expand, and we may see spheres of accumulated lines spreading out in our daily lives. As the world you perceive changes, the way you see the world goes on to change.

Continuous Trajectories

Spatial Calligraphy is a continuous line drawn in the forest. The layers of Spatial Calligraphy overlap, intersect, rotate, and ultimately dissolve into the forest. teamLab has been exploring Spatial Calligraphy since it was founded. The artwork reconstructs calligraphy in three-dimensional space to express the depth, speed and power of the brush stroke, and that calligraphy is then flattened using the logical structure of space that teamLab calls Ultrasubjective Space. The calligraphy shifts between two and three dimensions.
The Spatial Calligraphy in this artwork space rotates in the same direction, but because of the characteristics of Ultrasubjective Space, visually, the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation are logically equivalent. Hence, the work can appear to be rotating in either direction depending on how the viewer chooses to look at it.

Bamboo Forest of the Secret Valley

The musical experience changes depending on the pace at which you walk.

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STAY

Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring - Izura

Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring has emerged.
Our glamping and cottages invite you to become one with the starry sky, the sound of the waves, and the forest.

VISIT US

Update

Before You Visit
* The venue is dark and has many rough roads. Wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers.
* There are no toilets in the exhibition area. Please use the toilets in the car park or at the exhibition exit.
* To avoid mosquito bites, wear long sleeves and long pants to avoid skin exposure, and use insect repellent.
* Some artworks can go into the water. Please take your own precautions against water damage.

《Water Mirror Path through the Hidden Rice Terraces》 is a work of art that allows visitors to enter the water. The depth of the water is about 3 cm.
Please take precautions against getting wet (waterproof shoes, towels, etc.).
The water is not warm.
Please note that you may have to wait to experience the water during busy times.

Venue Details

teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces

Term

Sep 30, 2024 - Permanent

Hours

November 17:30 - 21:00
December 17:30 - 21:00
January 01-13 17:30 - 21:00
January 14-31 18:00 - 22:00
*November 09 17:30 - 22:00
*November 16, 23, 30 17:30 - 21:30
*December 07, 14, 21, 28 17:30 - 21:30
*January 04, 11 17:30 - 21:30
*January 18, 25 18:00-22:30

* Opening times vary depending on the season.
* Last entry is 30 minutes before the museum closing time.

Closed

November 05
December 03
January 07
From November: First Tuesday of every month

ACCESS

Address

Izura Yukoku Onden Ato Onsen
2132 Otsumachi, Kitaibaraki-shi, Ibaraki

Map

Address in local language:

五浦幽谷隠田跡温泉
茨城県北茨城市大津町2132番地

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By Train

From Tokyo: Isohara Station on the JR Joban Line Limited Express. 15 minutes by Taxi

From Sendai: Nakoso Station on the JR Joban Line Limited Express. 11 minutes by Taxi

Otsuko Station on the JR Joban Line. 5 minutes by Taxi
*Please note that the JR Joban Line Limited Express trains do not stop at Otsuko Station

By Highway Bus

From Tokyo: Take the Shin Joban Kotsu Iwaki-go and get off at the Kita Ibaraki IC Bus Stop. 15 minutes by Taxi

From Sendai: Take Ibaraki Kotsu Sendai-Yamagata Line and get off at the Kita Ibaraki IC Bus Stop. 15 minutes by Taxi

By Car

15 minutes from Kita Ibaraki IC on the Joban Expressway

Parking:
First parking lot (118 cars)
Second parking lot (62 cars)
Third parking lot (53 cars)

Parking fee ¥500
Parking Map

FAQ

About Ticket

Will tickets be available on the day？

Tickets are not available at the venue, however, if they are not sold out they will be available for purchase on the official ticketing website.

Where can I buy tickets?

1. Via the official ticketing website
Credit cards are accepted.
Only tickets purchased through the official ticketing website allow up to three date/time changes.
*Changes can be made until 9:00 p.m. on the day of admission.
The latest information, such as cancellations due to weather conditions, etc., will be sent to the e-mail address provided at the time of purchase.
*Tickets bought outside of the official ticketing website cannot be changed  after purchase.

2.Buy on site
On-site sales are for the day of the event only and may sell out. Also, prices vary.

Can I change or cancel the date of my ticket?

・In general, tickets cannot be canceled or changed once purchased. However, the date can be changed for tickets directly purchased from the official ticketing website.
The date of the ticket may be changed up to 3 times. To do so, select 'Modify ticket date' displayed on the QR ticket and follow the procedure. Changes can be made up to 21:00 of the indicated date.

The ticket date cannot be changed in the following cases:
　- The date has already been changed 3 times
　- Changing to a different type of ticket
　- Changing to date that has sold out or has insufficient tickets left
　- Changing the date for a portion of tickets within a multiple-ticket purchase
　- Changing to multiple dates within a multiple-ticket purchase
　- Changing to a date that is not yet available for purchase
　- Changing to a date with a revised price

Do I need to print my ticket?

1. If you own a smartphone, tablet, or similar device
You do not need to print your ticket. Access the URL from your confirmation email and display the ticket screen at the entrance.

2. If you do not own a smartphone, tablet, or similar device
Print your ticket from the "Print your ticket" button, available from 0:00AM of the reservation date.

Where can I view my purchased tickets?

Tickets purchased from the official ticketing website can be viewed from the URL in your confirmation email (subject: teamLab e-ticket purchase completed).
If you have not received this email, please contact us via the contact form here.

Please refrain from sending the ticket URL to third-parties.

What should I do if I haven't received the confirmation email?

If you haven't received your confirmation email, please consider the following cases:

1. The email has been filtered and stored in a folder other than your inbox.
2. The address @izura.ticket.teamlab.art is blocked on your server. In this case, please change your settings.

Please contact us via the contact form if the above cases do not apply.

Visitor Inquiries

Media Inquiries

For Media

TICKETS

Admission

* Advance reservations are required for your entry date and time.
* If purchase tickets on-site, an additional 200 yen will be charged to the prices below.
* If advance tickets have sold out, no tickets will be available at the door.

Adults

High School Students and above

JPY 2,200

Children

Elementary & Junior High School Students

JPY 800

Preschool Children

Free

Visitors with disabilities

Tickets for visitors with disabilities are available for holders of a disability certificate and up to one accompanying person

JPY 1,100

Tickets

Official Ticketing Website

Buy Tickets

Notes

Regarding ticket purchase

Tickets are date and time-specific, and may sell out.

・Tickets will be sold only on the day of the event and may sell out. Also, prices vary.

・In general, tickets cannot be canceled or changed once purchased. However, the date can be changed for tickets directly purchased from the official ticketing website.

The date of the ticket may be changed up to 3 times. To do so, select 'Modify ticket date' displayed on the QR ticket and follow the procedure. Changes can be made up to 21:00 of the indicated date.

The ticket date cannot be changed in the following cases:

　- The date has already been changed 3 times

　- Changing to a different type of ticket

　- Changing to date that has sold out or has insufficient tickets left

　- Changing the date for a portion of tickets within a multiple-ticket purchase

　- Changing to multiple dates within a multiple-ticket purchase

　- Changing to a date that is not yet available for purchase

　- Changing to a date with a revised price

・Prices include tax.

・Visitors with a disability certificate:

Discounted tickets are available for holders of a disability certificate, along with one accompanying person.

(Children's tickets cannot be further discounted, however, the accompanying adult is eligible for a discounted ticket if the child holds a disability certificate.)

The disability certificate will be requested at the entrance gate, so please make sure that the accompanying person enters at the same time.

The disability certificate can be issued by any country.

- Children (middle school and below) must be accompanied by an adult who is 18 years old or above. There must be one accompanying adult for every two children, including children eligible for free entry.

- Children under 5 years old may enter for free.

- The opening time of the venue may change with prior notice on the ticket purchase page.

Notice to Visitors

・The venue cannot be held liable for visitors’ injury, loss, or other problems that may occur.

・Reselling tickets is prohibited. A ticket that has been resold will not allow entry to the venue. The venue cannot be held responsible for any problems with resold tickets.

・Certain artworks may not be available due to large crowds or maintenance.

・Artworks or artwork specifications may vary by season.

・Some artworks can go into the water. Please take your own precautions against water damage.

・The exhibition may be canceled due to circumstances of the venue.

・The exhibition may be (temporarily) canceled in case of inclement weather warnings such as severe wind, rain, and thunderstorms.

・The exhibition may be canceled in case of bad weather that puts visitors' safety at risk at the venue.

Cancellation will be announced on the venue's official website and social media.

・Tickets can be refunded only if the venue has an unscheduled closure.

・Transportation costs to this venue will not be reimbursed even if the venue has an unscheduled closure.

・Please come to the entrance at the admission time indicated on the ticket and wait in line.

・There is no limit on the duration of your stay at the venue after admission.

・Re-entry is not permitted.

・During busy periods, you may be required to wait outside before entry.

Please come with appropriate preparation against heat exhaustion or the cold depending on the season.

・If you would like to leave the line temporarily, please make sure that someone in your party stays behind.

Only Assistance Dogs are allowed to enter. For safety reasons, entry is at your own risk.

As this is a nature walk, for safety reasons, we ask that you refrain from viewing the artworks in a wheelchair and stroller. For more details, please contact the main office.

・Please look after your own personal belongings. The venue will not not be liable for any stolen or lost items.

・The venue is dark with uneven and unsteady footing in many places. Be aware of your own actions as well as those around you. If you are with young children, please watch over them closely for their safety.

There is a possibility that heavy, rain-soaked branches may fall (falling branches) or that trees may fall.

Please be aware of this and exercise caution. In the event of any falling objects, please notify a nearby staff member.

・The artworks may produce flashing lights and loud sounds.

For environmental conservation, please take your garbage home with you.

・Media filming may take place without prior notice. If you do not wish to be featured in the coverage, please inform our staff.

・You may be asked to provide identification upon entry.

Examples: driver's licence, health insurance card, student card, passport, My Number card, any identification that provides valid proof of your name and age.

About baggage

・Prohibited Items

　Food & alcoholic beverages

　Items that exceed 50cm

　Strollers must be stored in the luggage room.

　Hazardous items, items with strong smells, fresh flowers, etc.

　Drinks with no caps.

　Any other items deemed to be dangerous by staff.

・You cannot enter with large luggage such as carry-on bags.

The following is prohibited

・Visitors who are ill or drunk will not be allowed entry.

・Taking photos and videos are allowed but please be careful not to cause inconvenience to other visitors.

・Use of flash photography and drones is prohibited.

・Use of monopods, tripods, selfie sticks, etc is prohibited.

・Filming or photography for commercial purposes is not permitted without prior consent.

・Please do not touch the projectors, sensors, lights, and other equipment for safety reasons.

・Do not bring food into the venue (including candy and gum). Only drinks are allowed.

・Fire is strictly prohibited at the venue. No smoking allowed.

・Please do not enter areas that are fenced off

・Please do not enter areas where entry is prohibited.

・Please follow the staff's instructions. Visitors that do not follow them may be escorted out of the premisis.

ARTIST

teamLab

teamLab (f. 2001) is an international art collective. Their collaborative practice seeks to navigate the confluence of art, science, technology, and the natural world. Through art, the interdisciplinary group of specialists, including artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians, and architects, aims to explore the relationship between the self and the world, and new forms of perception.

In order to understand the world around them, people separate it into independent entities with perceived boundaries between them. teamLab seeks to transcend these boundaries in our perceptions of the world, of the relationship between the self and the world, and of the continuity of time. Everything exists in a long, fragile yet miraculous, borderless continuity.

teamLab’s works are in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne; Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney; Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide; National Gallery of Australia, Canberra;  Amos Rex, Helsinki; Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; Asian Art Museum, San Francisco; Borusan Contemporary Art Collection, Istanbul; and Asia Society Museum, New York, among others.

teamlab.art

Biographical Documents

teamLab is represented by Pace Gallery, Martin Browne Contemporary and Ikkan Art.

Organizers

Souki Inc.