Tourist attraction • 2 Chome-4 Sakaicho, Niihama, Ehime 792-0812, Japan
The monument "Blessings of Copper ~ Encounter" stands in the traffic square of Niimahama City. This huge iron structure is undoubtedly a manifestation of the local steel industry. However, upon closer inspection, it resembles the embrace of a man and a woman, evoking a lovely form of love. The strength of an industrial city and the gentle encounters of people harmonize, making this an art piece that should be passed down through generations.
The dark, shining iron sculpture is not just imposing. Through the hands of the sculptor, a soft line resembling the embrace of a man and a woman is formed. Even in resilient iron, there exists the shape of love. This contrasting harmony is sure to touch the hearts of the viewers.
The monument was erected in 2018. However, the material, iron, was originally refined in the 1960s at the steel factory in Niimahama. In other words, this work bears the imprint of the town's history. It eloquently expresses the power of industrial development and the bond among people.
People will gather here, and memories will be created. It is said to have already become a location for wedding ceremonies. In the future, it may become a gathering place for the flow of people to the shopping district, serving as a new base to reinvigorate the town.
Blessings of Copper is not just a mass of iron. It is the spiritual pillar of Niimahama's people, reminding us of the town's nostalgia and shining future.