Robert Indiana's original LOVE design first appeared on a Museum of Modern Art Christmas card in 1964.
The Shinjuku i-Land sculpture is one of many iterations of the design found in public spaces globally, including locations in New York, Philadelphia, and Taipei.
The sculpture is constructed from polished red, blue, and green painted aluminum.
The Shinjuku i-Land complex, where the sculpture sits, was designed by architect Kohn Pedersen Fox and completed in 1995.
The tilted 'O' in the design is a hallmark of Indiana's graphic style, intended to introduce dynamic movement to the static letters.
The LOVE sculpture in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is a signature work by American pop artist Robert Indiana. It is permanently installed in the plaza of the Shinjuku i-Land Tower, a prominent skyscraper complex. The sculpture features the letters 'L', 'O', 'V', and 'E' stacked in a square format with the 'O' tilted at an angle. It serves as a public art installation within an office and residential development. The piece is part of a larger outdoor collection of sculptures located throughout the Shinjuku i-Land property. It attracts visitors primarily for its status as a recognizable photo opportunity in the heart of Tokyo's business district.
Directly in front of the sculpture from a low angle to capture the full structure against the backdrop of the Shinjuku i-Land Tower.
Visit during the early morning hours to avoid office workers passing through the plaza.
Check the surrounding plaza for other permanent art installations to make the most of the trip.
The sculpture is located outdoors in an open-air plaza, meaning it is exposed to the elements.
Do not attempt to climb or sit on the sculpture, as this is discouraged for both safety and preservation.
