Wakayama Zone: Movies
Move — Fusion and Connection
Wakayama has embraced any forms of religions and cultures and allowed their fusion and harmonious coexistence.
Drawing on its rich history, unique features, and majestic natural landscapes, the immersive visuals and sounds reflect the generosity of Wakayama. Take on a journey of rebirth inspired by the Kumano pilgrimage revolving around the axes of "past," "present," and "future" to reflect on Wakayama, the world, and yourself.
Yusuke Murakami
Yusuke Murakami is a London-based visual artist, and the Creative Director and Representative Partner of 3AND.
He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television from New York University in the US in 2005, followed by a Master’s degree in Visual Communication from the Royal College of Art in the UK in 2012. He then spent eight years at Hingston Studio in the UK, collaborating with numerous world-renowned artists and brands. In 2020, he founded the design collective 3AND in London. He is active globally across a wide range of fields, from technology to design.
Notable works include a large-scale visual production for the DIESEL show at Milan Fashion Week 2023, an immersive audio-visual live performance for ∈Y∋ (BOREDOMS) at the UK's ICA, the next-generation immersive art experience "ANIMA" at RICOH PRISM, an art installation for BMW, a rebranding video for FC TOKYO, and a visual production using the exterior wall of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
By blurring various boundaries, he creates a unique form of expression and explores new possibilities in artistic representation.
MAIN MOVIE Universe of Wakayama － Future, Past, Present, Resurrection －
Blending Japanese content with Western and digital elements, this movie presents a mesmerizing world where diverse elements mix and intertwine.
Inspired by the Kumano pilgrimage, this audiovisual experience follows the cycle of "Future" – "Past" – "Present" – "Future / Resurrection," embodying the generosity of Wakayama – a place that has long embraced and coexisted with different religions, social classes, and ways of thinking. Through this journey, you will have the opportunity to reflect on Wakayama, the world, and yourself—and be spiritually reborn.
| 01：FUTURE 「未来」 | Opening |
| 02：PAST 「過去」 | Wakayama’s creation, volcanoes, nature, mandalas, and emaki illustrated narrative scrolls |
| 03：PRESENT「現在」 | Universe of Wakayama — The Spiritual Heart of Japan |
| 04：FUTURE /RESURRECTION 「未来・よみがえり」 | A mystical ending where various elements blend together in harmony. |
- Map of Wakanoura
- Wakayama Castle
- Kumano Gongen engi Emaki Illustrated Narrative Scroll
- Aragi Island
- Great Pagoda (Konpon Daito)
- Engetsu Island
- Dojoji Temple Engi
- Nachi Falls and the Three-story Pagoda
- Seated Bodhisattva Statue
EVENT MOVIES The Five Elements That Make Up the Universe - Space, Wind, Fire, Water, Earth -
A magical, abstract video in which various elements mix and change, inspired by the "Five Elements That Make Up the Universe" that are the five-layered physical representation of esoteric Buddhism at Mt. Koya.
| Space | Abstract video of light | Flickering, lines of light, spirits |
| Wind | Abstract video that creates a sensation of the wind | Wind movement, rustling, swaying shadows, swaying trees |
| Fire | Abstract video of dancing flames | Meditative flames, holy fire, sparks |
| Water | Abstract video of flowing water | Waterfalls, rivers, rain, ripples, water droplets, waves, ocean, horizon |
| Earth | Video that creates a sensation of the Earth | Mountains, mountains and clouds, rocks, trees, sando (the approach leading to a temple or shrine), leaves, magma, volcano |
- Space
- Wind
- Fire
- Water
- Earth
- Mt. Koya (Okunoin): Gorinto (five-layered grave markers representing the elements that make up the physical world in Buddhisim)
