Japanese Immigration Memorial

Open-air museum

This open-air museum celebrates the friendship between Japan and the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil and symbolizes the many fruits of their relationship. The structure is a bridge traversing a lake. The bridge metaphorically connects two territories, eras, ideas, and ideals. The curved walls on each side of the bridge -- one with a red circle, the other with a triangle -- are a nod to the flags of Japan and Minas. The structure strives to be a happy analogy that expresses qualities of conciseness and synthesis common to both cultures.