Daifukujin

Daifukujin, written in Japanese as 'Daifukujin'. My initial concept was to convey the pleasing aesthetic of white marble, the richness of ideals, an abundant spirit, and the emotional prosperity, inclusivity, magnanimity, generosity, and contemplation of people. Creator Introduction: Author: Tetsuo Harada Personal Experience: After World War II, Harada was born in Niitsu, a small village surrounded by rice paddies (now part of Niigata City). The Harada family were farmers; his father became a blacksmith and then built structures using metal. His eldest brother, Shigeo, served as chairman, and the company is now managed by his son, Hisao, an architect. Niichiro and Kikuno Harada had 3 boys and 3 girls, with Tetsuo being the sixth child. His father, chairman of 'Harada Tekojio,' deeply understood the importance of education. Therefore, Nichiro Harada (his father) allowed Tetsuo to purchase any books he wished for his education, while also choosing his own path. Tetsuo, skilled in art and a philosopher by nature, studied music such as jazz and songs, personally learned guitar, and sang among a group of friends, performing Beatles music. Creative Process: The artist conceived 'Daifukujin' using white marble, drawing inspiration from the bags carried by Japan's 'Seven Gods of Fortune' (Shichifukujin), who are believed in Japanese faith to bring good fortune and wealth. These seven deities are Ebisu, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Jurojin, Fukurokuju, Benzaiten, and Hotei. The artwork, with its pleasing, rounded form reminiscent of the Japanese gods of fortune, seeks to embody abundant emotion, a rich spirit, and qualities such as inclusivity, magnanimity, and generosity, while conveying happiness, peace, hope, and friendship.