The Spanish leading supplier of metal autoparts donated to the city of Tokyo a great size steel sculpture which stands in front of Sengokuyama Mori Tower, in Ark Hills area, since September 17th. The piece is the eighth member of exhibit MU (empty space), consisting on seven plus one twin figures of more than two meters tall inspired in the values of the Japanese culture and intended to represent the increasing dialogue between Spain and Japan.
Made by Spanish architect and sculptor Arturo Berned, and sponsored by Gestamp, the figure has become the official symbol of the Dual Year celebrations, commemorating the 400 years of relations between Japan and Spain. Called “Dual Year” after this framework, its 24 meters and 1.2 tons of steel were received by Mori Group, on behalf of the city.
The event was chaired by Spanish Ambassador to Japan, Miguel Angel Navarro, and attended by two Secretaries of State from the Spanish government. Jaime García Legaz, in charge of the Spanish Trade portfolio, and Carmen Vela, who runs the research and development policy within the Spanish government, helped to cut the ribbon in the official ceremony, together with Gestamp president and CEO Francisco J. Riberas, Mori Building vicepresident Hiroo Mori, counselor of Arkhills Sengokuyama Mori Tower Shigeo Kokubo, and Yoshiko Mori, Mori Museum president.
Riberas remarked the “irreversible commitment“ of the company with Japan, clearly stated by the alliance signed in 2013 with Japanese trading giant Mitsui, whose vicepresident Daisuke Saiga also attended this symbolic event. Owning 30% of Gestamp holding in America (USA, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina), Mitsui meaning is strategic for the Spanish company’s plan to increase its current business with Japanese automotive OEMs from €350M to at least double it by 2019.
Being an example of Japanese-Spanish entrepreneurial partnership, Gestamp and Mitsui business approach gives sense to the art sponsoring held during the closure activities of the Dual Year. Berned’s creations are made of steel, the same raw material of Gestamp products. Besides the meaningful homage to Japan enclosed in MU, Gestamp found out this art work perfectly match and mirror the firm’s solid engagement with the Asian country.