Zou-no-Hana Park [Elephant’s Trunk Park] is located in the heart of the origin of Yokohama port, where Japan ‘encountered’ various cultures of the world and started its modernization. We see the spirit of Yokohama of those days still alive in the ongoing creative renovations of the city, and this park is exactly where it came from.

Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Opening of Yokohama Port in June 2009, we are going to hold various events and activities on the theme of “Connection” at the ZOU-NO-HANA Terrace, a new base for creative cultural exchange.

Our information booth provides both cultural and tourist information, our cafe offers good food and good times in an artistic manner, and our exhibition space will facilitate diverse programs with unique and creative contents holding an organic relationship with the cafe. Respecting the history of Yokohama, we are going to create our own new culture communicating with the world’s latest art and culture and cooperating with the city’s creative activities.

ZOU-NO-HANA Terrace permanently exhibits its symbol, Perry, a sculpture of an elephant created by Noboru Tsubaki, an internationally acclaimed artist who participated in the 1st Yokohama Triennale. The chairs used in our cafe were co-created by Finnish artist Katja Tukiainen and children of Yokohama.

Through the events and activities at ZOU-NO-HANA Terrace, we are looking forward to animating culture for and with the future generations of Yokohama and Japan and export it to the world as well.

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has kindly lent their guidance and cooperation for the opening of this venue, including everyone at Yokohama 150th Anniversary of the Port Opening and Creative City Headquarters(current: APEC and Creative City Headquarters), the port of 　Yokohama, local companies and organizations, and the artists and creative individuals who have given us their support.

And I look forward to your continued support and guidance.

Tsutomu Okada
Art Director, ZOU-NO-HANA Terrace