Sculptor Who Received Commission from Todai-ji Temple for the First Time in 300 Years Discovers New Artistic Realm After Going Blind

Miyoshi, while creating the Kōmyō Kannon, which is on display this time.

Michido Miwa, a sculptor based in Gunma, created a replica of the National Treasure Chōgen Shōnin statue at Todai-ji Temple for his graduation project at Tokyo University of the Arts. Miwa continued to work as a contemporary sculptor and did not cease producing Buddhist statues. However, Todai-ji Temple, remembering the excellence of the Chōgen Shōnin replica, commissioned Miwa in 2002 to create the Bodhisena statue, which consecrated the Great Buddha 1250 years prior. This was the first commission for a new Buddhist statue in 300 years.

Miwa during his student days.

Subsequently, Miwa gradually lost his eyesight due to retinitis pigmentosa, becoming completely blind about five years ago. However, even after losing his sight, his desire to create did not wane. Using only the sense of touch in his hands, he continues to produce new works one after another, opening up a new artistic realm.

Currently, the Nara Prefectural Museum of Art is hosting the gallery exhibition "Contemporary Artists Connected to Nara: Touching Light - Michido Miwa."

→ https://www.pref.nara.lg.jp/n044/p105008.html

On this occasion, exhibitions and related performances will also be held at Todai-ji Temple's General Cultural Center.

→https://menoki.org/wp/2026/05/21/nara/

Please experience firsthand the new artistic realm Miwa has pioneered, creating works solely by the sense of touch, and the new approach to appreciation that transcends disability, fostering empathy and inspiration through dialogue with the sense of touch.

Inquiries

Menoki General Incorporated Association Secretariat

info@menoki.org