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Space BD (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo. CEO: Masatoshi Nagasaki), a leading provider of commercial space utlization services, revealed a unique artwork titled “Sorabana”, created through a collaborative project involving Gyokusendo (Headquarters: Tsubame-shi, Niigata. CEO: Motoyuki Tamagawa), the provider of the copper plates that returned to earth after a three-month journey in space, and Kengo Kuma & Associates (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo. CEO: Minoru Yokoo), the design supervisor.

The idea for this project was developed together with Wakuni Shoten, a brand operated by Uchino Bankin Inc. (Headquarters: Higashimurayama-shi, Tokyo. CEO: Tomokazu Uchino). Space BD was responsible for launching the copper plates into space and planning and developing the project.

During New Year’s, the general public will be able to enter a lottery to acquire the artwork. The lottery ticket will be included in an original ‘fukubukuro’ (New Year’s gift package) sold by Tamagawa Takashimaya.

 

Artwork “Sorabana”

 

Kengo Kuma & Associates supervise artwork using copper plates exposed to cosmic rays and ultraviolet radiation

The four copper plates were provided by Gyokusendo, who produces ‘tsuiki-dohki’ (hand-hammered copperware), one of Niigata Prefecture’s unique intangible cultural assets. The copper plates destined for the ISS were launched into space on March 15, 2023, and were exposed to space for about three months before returning to earth on June 30, 2023. Using these copper plates, an original artwork titled “Sorabana” was designed and created under the supervision of world-famous architects, Kengo Kuma & Associates.

 

Mr. Kengo Kuma and “Sorabana”

 

This project was aimed at creating new values and having more people feel a stronger connection with space. During the development phase, Wakuni Shoten, a brand known for its exceptional skills in sheet metal fabrication, sympathized with the concept and joined as a collaborator. Furthermore, Kengo Kuma & Associates, who designed and constructed Wakuni Shoten’s café, agreed to participate as design supervisor for the artwork. Thus, a miraculous collaboration was born.

 

Exposure to cosmic rays and ultraviolet radiation caused a change in color on the surface of the copper plates that returned to earth after making a journey in space, emanating the mystery of the universe. .

 

Gyokusendo’s copper plates (Above: before travelling to space. Below: after returning from space.)

 

A limited exhibition of the one-of-a-kind artwork takes place, and sale to the general public scheduled for next year 

During the 2025 New Year holidays, Tamagawa Takashimaya will sell a special ‘fukubukuro’ (New Year’s gift package) which will include a lottery ticket. The winner of the lottery will acquire the artwork.

 

＜Details of the Sale＞

Original Tamagawa Takashimaya ‘fukubukuro’ (New Year’s gift package)

“Sorabana: One-of-a-kind copper plate artwork that travelled in space”

Project planned by: Space BD Inc.

In cooperation with: Kengo Kuma & Associates, Gyokusendo, Wakuni Shoten

Price: JPY 20 million (Including tax. The lottery winner will acquire the artwork.)

■Application period: Jan. 3 (Fri.) and 4 (Sat.), 2025

■Application accepted at: Tamagawa Takashimaya, at the special counter located on the first floor of the main wing (in front of the elevators)

 

※The winner of the lottery will be notified privately by the end of January 2025.

※The transaction will be between the lottery winner and Wakuni Shoten.

※The details are the current plan and the content is subject to change or cancellation.

　　　

Space BD has successfully executed several collaborative projects that involve the delivery of items to the ISS which were exposed to outer space then returned to earth. Items transported to space in the past include promotional goods for the global boys group JO1 and various private firms. We will continue to drive the growing interest and participation in space utilization in order to develop ‘space’ into a major industry.

 

Comment by Kengo Kuma, Kengo Kuma & Associates

Sorabana expresses a small universe using four copper plates that were exposed to space. The light reflecting off the tilted copper plates that face different directions gives various textures of the surface color and material affected in space. The intricately balanced plates are fixed on top of a verdigris-patinated copper plate wrapped base, expressing the insecurity of objects floating in the universe. The delicate, magical object gives out different textures depending on viewpoints.

 

Comment by Motoyuki Tamagawa, 7th-generation President of Gyokusendo

The message of the Gyokusendo brand is “To strike. To strike the time”. The unrivalled color of Gyokusendo’s copperware changes to a deeper copper color and ages beautifully over time. How would Gyokusendo’s space-exposed copper strike the time and change in the future? One of the great pleasures of this project is to imagine the change that the future will bring. 

 

Comment by Tomokazu Uchino, President of Uchino Bankin Inc. (Wakuni Shoten)

It is a great honor to be involved in this magnificent project. The copper plates that travelled through space were given a new life, and they connected with Wakuni Shoten’s spirit of ‘circulation and tradition’ to sublimate into a one-and-only form. As I witnessed history and future resonate with each other, my awareness of the potential of Japan’s sheet metal work was renewed. I hope that this piece strikes a new string in people’s hearts and people will discover the depth and wonder of handcrafted metal sheet skills.

 

Comment by Masatoshi Nagasaki, CEO of Space BD Inc.

The word ‘space’ in Japanese, with its origin dating back to an era before Christ, is composed of two Chinese characters: one referring to the expansion of space and the other to the expansion of time. It is with great pleasure to see the birth of an artwork that precisely expresses ‘space’. We have been blessed with the opportunity to partner with Japan’s leading creators in completing this project and I am sincerely grateful.

“An industry we can be proud of with passion and ease.” Our theme is to pursue the infinite possibilities of ‘space’ beyond physical applications, and we take on the challenge of developing our business in line with our corporate vision.

 

■About Space BD

Space BD is a one-stop service provider of various solutions to foster commercial utilization of space. Ranging from launch of small satellites with commercial launchers as well as via the International Space Station, to supporting pharmaceutical research with protein crystallization in microgravity, Space BD can support everything from business plan formulation and market research to hands-on technical operations. As of Oct 2024, Space BD has supported over 80 satellite projects from and over 450 space related missions.

U R L：https://space-bd.com/en/