Peering into the inner workings of a mechanical watch reveals a mesmerizing array of moving parts. Different speeds of motion are transmitted from one component to another, culminating in the rhythmic measurement of time in seconds, minutes, and hours. I was captivated by the intricate, precise, and seamlessly unfolding chain of interconnected movements with mass.

Inspired by this, I gathered various forest fragments and suspended them on elastic thread, twisted at high speed for one second every minute. In that meticulously orchestrated single minute, the forest fragments come alive in an enchanting array of movements and rhythms.

Locations from which the forest fragments were collected: Morioka Seiko Instruments Inc.,

When the mainspring of a mechanical watch is removed, it returns to an elegant and supple curving spiral. Inspired by the simplicity of this part as the source of a mechanical watch’s movement, I embarked on a journey of trial and error to create a work that captures motion, drawing from the mainspring and the concept of the supple movement of a loosely coiled spring. This mobile resembles the wings of a kazaguruma (a Japanese pinwheel), with a series of spring-like elements arranged in a circular pattern and gently twisted to evoke movement. The two mobiles, suspended in balance, remain stable yet delicately responsive to the slightest breeze, setting the balance-shaped suspension in motion.

Watching the movement of a mechanical watch is deeply captivating. The precision of its mechanism never ceases to surprise and impress. The small yet powerful ticking of time is mesmerizing. At times, the watch even appears as if it were alive, breathing, and silently communicating with those who observe it.

The first mechanical watch is believed to have been invented around the 16th century. The invention of lenses dates back to ancient times, while the projector was introduced in the 17th century. The fusion of these two age-old technologies brings to life a vivid yet fantastical image of mechanical movement.

The more you observe, the deeper your fascination grows. We hope you will experience this eternal adventure of time, as if you have stepped inside the watch itself, listening to its quiet whispers.

Time is often regarded as a constant flow that affects everyone equally. Yet, we’ve all experienced moments when time seems to fly by during pleasant activities and drag on during tedious ones. Although we humans lack sensory organs to directly perceive time, our brains infer its passage indirectly. Our perception of time can vary significantly depending on how we focus our attention.

This artwork, Footsteps of Time, is a visual expression of our contrasting perceptions of time. The circular base, with its continuous connection, symbolizes the universality of time—a constant flow that affects all things. In contrast, the robot, with its changing stride and irregular rhythm, represents a living being, visually capturing the fluidity of time as it is perceived differently from moment to moment.

As you engage with the "Footsteps of Time" created by the intersection of these two temporal realities, we invite you to reflect on your own experience of time.

Tiny mechanisms serve as the heart of a mechanical watch, quietly resting on the wrist while guiding its hands with accuracy.

Never straying from their duty, they subtly drive the rhythm of our daily lives.But what if we give them "legs" and set them free from the wrist? What kind of journey would they embark on?

The feet attached to the minute hand appear motionless at first glance. However, with time, their subtle, pulsating movements reveal a gentle, leisurely pace.

This slow, rhythmic motion evokes the carefree essence of a casual stroll, suggesting a healthy, living entity, distinctly different from its usual rigid formality.

By replacing the minute hand of a wristwatch with a wheel, this piece reveals the hidden potential for new kinds of movement within even the smallest of mechanisms that are seamlessly blended into everyday life.

When we look inside a mechanical watch, we are captivated by its continuous movement.

The parts move constantly, and the faint ticking evokes a sense of vitality, as though the watch itself is breathing.

In this exhibit, we focus on the mechanical watch, a marvel of accuracy designed to keep perfect time. Its hidden charm is revealed by encasing the mechanism within a sphere. As you gaze into the sphere, you'll see a tiny machine within, steadily ticking away the moments.

Listen closely to the transparent sphere—the soft sound of its movement whispers like a heartbeat, while the white sphere gently displays the passage of time with soft light and flickering shadows.

We invite you to experience the many subtle charms of mechanical watches through this exhibit where time itself comes alive.