The sculpture stands 6.2 meters tall, roughly twice the size of a real-life stag.
The surface texture is inspired by digital pixels, with the artist intending the deer to act as a 'vessel' for nature and memory.
Kohei Nawa is a professor at the Kyoto University of Art and Design known for blending digital technology with traditional sculpture.
The site was selected specifically for its connection to the sea, which was both the source of the 2011 destruction and the region's historical livelihood.
The sculpture is crafted from a durable fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) core coated in a white, bubble-like urethane foam.
White Deer (Oshika) is a monumental sculpture by Japanese artist Kohei Nawa, situated on the rugged Oginohama coastline of the Oshika Peninsula. Created as part of the Reborn-Art Festival, the 6-meter-tall fiberglass and urethane deer serves as a symbol of regional recovery following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. The sculpture’s skin is textured with a distinct, bubbled surface technique characteristic of Nawa's 'PixCell' series. It stands facing the Pacific Ocean, positioned on a concrete base that elevates it against the natural horizon. The piece was designed to integrate into the landscape, reflecting the shifting light and atmosphere of the coastal environment. It remains one of the few permanent installations from the festival's history, acting as a landmark for art-focused tourism in Miyagi Prefecture.
From the beach level, looking upward to silhouette the deer against the sky and the ocean backdrop.
Check the local weather forecast before departing, as the coastal location is highly exposed to strong winds and sudden rain.
Bring a wide-angle lens for photography, as the sculpture’s size and scale relative to the ocean are difficult to capture with standard lenses.
The path from the parking area to the sculpture involves an incline; wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip.
Do not attempt to walk along the rocky shoreline during high tide, as the path can become slippery and unstable.
Open year-round, but access may be restricted during severe weather events or typhoons.
Respect the site as a memorial to regional recovery; refrain from climbing on the sculpture base.
