HISTORY OF ZOU-NO-HANA
ZOU-NO-HANA: THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE PORT OF YOKOHAMA
ZOU-NO-HANA Park was the site of the landing point of Commodore Perry on his second visit to Japan from the Unites States on March 31st, 1854. Yokohama was subsequently selected as one of five main ports in the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Japan and the United States in 1859. This area became the first full-scale port of Yokohama, providing the region with an area of active international trade. 'ZOU-NO-HANA' was named after the dykes in the area that resembled the shape of an elephants nose ('hana' means nose in Japanese). 'ZOU-NO-HANA' has been gradually transformed over the years.
The dykes were rebuilt following the Great Kanto Earthquake, which struck the region during the mid Meiji-era. You can study these historical incidents through displays sited within the park.
ZOU-NO-HANA TERRACE
A NEW CENTER OF CULTURAL EXCHANGE
WELCOME TO ZOU-NO-HANA TERRACE
The terrace is located in ZOU-NO-HANA Park, reconstructed on the site of the very first quayside in Yokohama, as a symbolic space connecting the past and future of the city. The port of Yokohama has been a hub of cultural interchange for 150 years, contributing greatly to the city's formation and its culture. ZOU-NO-HANA Park is the starting point of the creative city Yokohama.
Based on this tradition, ZOU-NO-HANA Terrace will become the central point of engaging, interacting and producing new culture. Connecting the proud cultural and artistic heritage of Yokohama with the most advanced contemporary art and culture from around the world, the terrace will present the future of the city through these creative 'bridges'. Having made history for the past 150 years, ZOU-NO-HANA revitalises the area as a new center for future cultural exchange.
As the ZOU-NO-HANA revitalizes, 2 artists create the works as the permanent installation.
THE 'PERRY' SYMBOL
'Perry', created by Noboru Tsubaki, is the symbol of ZOU-NO-HANA Terrace. The 'elephant' that has kept watch over Yokohama for the past 150 years is a symbol of dialogue and energy, leading the city and people into the future.
STOOLS MADE BY CREATIVE CHILDREN
ZOU-NO-HANA Cafe includes stools created by children of Yokohama in collaboration with artist Katja Tukiainen from Finland. Tukiainen initially developed the preliminary sketches, which were then painted by the children within design work-shops. The stools will hopefully be used by visitors long into the future. The children's contribution was full of creative energy, enjoying the opportunity to collaborate with an international artist. The stools are one of the most notable items within ZOU-NO-HANA Terrace.
