While stopping over in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, I went hunting for an artsy spot and stumbled onto the piece I’m introducing this time — the “Aomori-ken” by the world-famous Yoshitomo Nara. Its official title, it turns out, is “A to Z Memorial Dog.” It sits in the green park in Yoshino-cho, about a 15-minute walk from Hirosaki Station.
It’s the most relaxed, spacious park in the area. There are benches too, so it could double as a date spot.
Next to it stands a brick building. The “Aomori-ken” was apparently once displayed out on the lawn, but these days it is exhibited indoors, inside the building.
The exhibition spot was posted around the grounds so it’s easy to find.
Clear, easy-to-follow signs guide you along the way.
Somehow it looks as though it’s shut away in a cramped little space…
You can’t see it well unless you get up close. Still, you can definitely catch glimpses of the dog sculpture peeking in and out of view.
Once you get close to the room where it’s displayed, the Memorial Dog finally reveals itself in full. It’s an endearing dog, looking gentle and touched with a hint of melancholy.
The Aomori Museum of Art has the same one, and that version is enormous — this one, not so much. It rather looks like a puppy locked away in a cage.
The surroundings are beautifully green. You won’t easily find a place like this even around Hirosaki Station.
