What exactly do you know about Moai statues – apart from that one of them makes a good meeting spot in Shibuya?
Besides being the thinking Shibuya meet’s Hachiko, moai statues are mostly associated with Easter Island. Sadly, the chances of visiting Easter Island, in Polynesia, anytime soon and getting a glimpse of their over-large heads are pretty slim for the vast majority of us, but now, a genuine Easter Islander has ‘brought them’ to us, with a good cause…
This exhibited moai statue is actually a recreation by an Easter Islander and is planned to be presented to Minamisanriku, Miyagi prefecture, in support of rebuilding efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake. The three-meter-high, two-ton moai stands, we’re told, as a symbol of friendship between the two cities, which began following the Great Chilean Earthquake of 1960.
In addition, a photo exhibition of the moai – both from on Easter Island, as well as recreated with Lego – will be on display at Marunouchi OAZO.
If you’re in need of a refreshment after gazing at the moai, stop by the Marunouchi Cafe Ease (same space as the exhibit), as it will be transformed into the Marunouchi Sakura Cafe, adorned with cherry blossoms and offering a special menu of seasonal beverages and sweets.
Moai Exhibit (in Japanese)
When: March 20-28 (Sakura Cafe until April 3)
Where: Marucube and Marunouchi Cafe Ease
How much: Free
