Giant Stained Glass Completed at Gaienmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line

良平山下
Oct 16, 2020
2 min read

Updated: Nov 13, 2025

As part of the public art installation project accompanying the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line station renovations, Ryohei Yamashita created the original artwork and supervised the production of the stained glass art at Gaienmae Station. The work is titled "The Forest of Dynamism" (Yakudō no Mori).

“A sprinter races at full speed down the ginkgo-lined avenue. Athletes push themselves to the limit in the legendary stadiums that lie beyond his gaze. This is the Meiji Jingu Gaien, known as the Forest of Sports. When people gather from around the world seeking the thrill of sports and burst into cheers, Jingu Gaien becomes the Forest of Dynamism. This stained glass piece was composed to draw the viewer into its world. We hope it will endure as an art piece that guides visitors to the genuine inspiration of sports and remains well-loved.”

This highly dynamic stained glass, spanning five meters in width, is a masterpiece painstakingly handcrafted by the specialist staff at Creare Atami Yugawara Studio, cutting and assembling approximately 1,000 pieces by hand. The entire project, from concept to unveiling, spanned three years, making it the largest project Yamashita himself has ever experienced. It is scheduled to be permanently displayed for more than 10 years and will continue to shine as a symbol watching over the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, and the future of this Forest of Sports beyond.

Work Summary

Title: The Forest of Dynamism (Yakudō no Mori)
Original Artwork & Supervision: Ryohei Yamashita
Size: 2.0m (H) x 5.0m (W) - LED-integrated Stained Glass
Location: Near Exit 4a of Gaienmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Producer: Japan Transport Culture Association
Sponsorship: ITOCHU Corporation, Metro Cultural Foundation
Stained Glass Production: Creare Atami Yugawara Studio (230-1 Izumi, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture)
Press Release: October 13, 2020
Inquiries regarding Stained Glass Production: Japan Transport Culture Association http://jptca.org/

[Caption for Image] A collaborative effort in which stained glass artisans select the optimal glass based on the original acrylic paint artwork created by Yamashita, and then assemble the gigantic piece of art.