Whimsical Art in Shiodome

Outside the Nippon Television Tower in Shiodome on the pedestrian walkway about 15-ft above street level are several unusual works of art.

One is a set of multicolored sculptures of the human form. The colors and poses give these pieces a fun and whimsical feeling. Too bad, I couldn't find a plaque with the artist's name(s) anywhere.

The other piece is much larger and reminds me of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, especially the film Howl's Moving Castle.  A little research when I returned home confirmed my instincts.... The clock is know as the Nittere-Ohdokei (or NTV Grand Clock). According to several websites, this huge mechanical clock was designed by Miyazaki Hayao and sculpted by Shachimaru Kunio. It weighs about 28 tons and took 5 years to design and build. The best part for kids of all ages is that it can perform 32 mechanical tricks!