In Tokorozawa City, the Mikajima district possesses valuable local assets, including lush green land and a rich historical environment. To foster civic pride and attachment through art, and to help revitalize the area, the city has developed a series of sit-able artworks called “Art Benches.” This bicycle-shaped work, Bike Bench, was conceived not only as a bench for sitting and resting, but also as a bench that people can play with.

The pedals used in the work were provided by the local company Mikajima Pedal.

The wooden seat was made of paulownia wood by Moriya Tategu-ten Co., Ltd., and the antibacterial and UV-protection treatment that helps preserve the freshness of the wood over the long term was provided by master temple carpenter Kazunori Tago.

Incorporating many of the technical strengths that the Mikajima district takes pride in, this work was created by Koichiro Azuma, an artist known for developing kinetic sculptures combining bicycles and metal in locations around the world.