■Self-Introduction
Hi there! My name is Krystle Harsch, and I'm from the United States. One of my best friends in high school was Japanese, and when she returned to Japan to attend university, she inspired me to start studying Japanese. After that, I studied abroad at Waseda University and was able to reunite with her. While studying abroad, I thought about how I’d like to continue living in Japan even after graduation, and so after graduating I moved to Japan and have been living here ever since.
Growing up, I traveled across the United States with my family, which sparked my interest in many things. For example, I love travel, beauty, fashion, and exploring fine dining. At one point, I even considered creating a blog to share about my interests. However, the social media accounts I currently use are private.
That said, I’ve created a public Instagram account called krystle_likes with the hope of one day sharing the many photos and stories I’ve gathered with a broader audience. Once I’ve decided on how to use it and have the time to dedicate to it, I plan to update the account regularly—so please stay tuned!
■Why I Want to Introduce teamLab
The reason I want to introduce teamLab is not only because it is highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad but also because it holds exhibitions in various countries and regions. Additionally, teamLab offers immersive experiences that beautifully blend a love for Japan’s nature, traditions, and culture with cutting-edge technology, leaving a profound and unforgettable impression on anyone who experiences it.
■Encountering Interactive Art That Engages the Senses
Since childhood, I have been deeply fascinated by art and the beauty of nature. One of the most memorable artworks I’ve encountered is Edgar Degas’ sculpture “Little Dancer of Fourteen Years” at the Nelson-Atkins Museum in my hometown. It left a lasting impression because my father, who accompanied me to the exhibition, told me that “Edgar Degas began working with clay sculptures as his eyesight began to fail, relying on his sense of touch to create this sculpture of a young ballerina.”
Hearing this story sparked my curiosity about experiencing art through all five senses, inspiring me to seek out and explore a wider variety of artistic expressions.
Later on, after I had moved to Japan, I had the opportunity to experience several immersive art exhibitions that create environments where visitors can feel truly immersed. These included NAKED FLOWERS, an immersive flower-themed art exhibition by the creative company NAKED, INC.; interactive exhibitions by teamLab, an art collective known for blending art and technology; and the Immersive Museum, where visitors can lose themselves in works by renowned artists like Monet and Van Gogh. At every one of these exhibitions, I was reminded of the story my father told me about Edgar Degas. These experiences made me realize how each artwork I encountered has enriched my life in its own unique way.
Recommended teamLab Artwork:teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM
Features that make this exhibition unique is that it offers an immersive experience of nature using high-tech methods while incorporating the distinct Japanese sensitivity to nature. While previous exhibitions often focused on specific themes like technology or flowers, this one is dedicated to natural elements, bringing them to life through artworks. As a result, it provides an experience that stands apart from other exhibitions.
■The Appeal of teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM: An Experience for the Senses
[Touch] There is an experience where you walk barefoot on soft slopes that feel like sponges, or on cold and smooth surfaces. Additionally, while walking through water, you can observe and touch fish displayed on the screens. When you touch the fish, the surrounding visuals also move, making it feel as though the fish are truly alive.
[Sound] There are lights hanging from the ceiling like spears, and sounds of water and rain echo in some areas. As a result, when walking through the water, it truly feels like rain is falling. The floor is also like a mirror, providing a cool and smooth sensation to enjoy.
[Sight] My favorite part is the last room. Here, while sitting or lying on the ground, you can experience the feeling of being in a planetarium, watching stars in the night sky and colorful flowers floating by. It’s very relaxing and comfortable. Furthermore, the lighting in the room changes, becoming brighter or darker, which creates a sense of day and night for visitors, making it feel as though you are in nature.
[Taste] Inside the venue, there is a vegan ramen specialty store from Kyoto called "Vegan Ramen UZU Tokyo." When you purchase food here, you can enjoy it at "The Long Table for Sky and Fire" or "The Connected Bench."
・In the venue, you take off any bags, so that you are just wearing light, comfortable clothing.
・Everyone must remove their shoes and walk barefoot inside the venue.
※While it is uncommon in regular exhibitions, at "teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM," everyone removes their shoes and walks barefoot. This custom is similar to the typical Japanese practice of taking off shoes when entering a home or dining on tatami mats. In the U.S., people usually wear shoes indoors unless there is new carpet, so just experiencing this act felt like being exposed to a new culture.
■Basic Details about teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM
・Duration: July 7, 2018 – Expected end of 2027
・Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last entry is one hour before closing)
・Admission: 3,600 yen – 4,800 yen (depending on advance reservation and purchase time)
※For more detailed information, please visit the official website of「teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM.」
■Note
※The museum will be closed from December 2 (Monday) to December 13 (Friday) due to large-scale construction.
※Due to many areas with stairs or elevation changes, it is not recommended for people with weak legs or knees.
※There are areas with mirrors and places where the water reaches up to your knees. Please be mindful of your clothing.
■Summary
As I introduced earlier, "teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM" is not just an exhibition but a place that offers an immersive experience by blending love for Japan's nature, traditions, culture, and cutting-edge technology. By engaging with the artworks from various angles, you can feel as if you are part of the piece itself. Also, the event venue is in Toyosu, which is a place where you can enjoy nature and delicious Japanese food, so anyone who loves Japanese culture, art, and nature will surely enjoy it. If you're even a little bit curious, I highly recommend visiting! Thank you for reading until the end.