Adding Whimsy to the Station: Niigata, Japan Creates a "Jimmy Liao Railway Station"

▲ Jimmy Liao's latest masterpiece, "Forget to Say I Love You," will become the most beautiful decoration in Japanese train stations. (Photo provided by Blackie International)

Reported by Tsai Wen-Jun, Taipei

Taiwanese renowned picture book author Jimmy Liao has been invited by the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale in Japan to bring his latest work, "Forget to Say I Love You," to Japan. From July 26 to September, the work will be showcased at two JR Yahiko Line stations—Tsuchiichi Station and Echigo-Mizusawa Station in Niigata—through installation art that faithfully brings Jimmy Liao’s picture book world to life, with the hope of revitalizing this gradually declining railway line.

Blackie International stated that "Forget to Say I Love You" is a creation inspired by Jimmy Liao’s visit to the Echigo-Tsumari region, where he was moved by the local scenery and cultural landscape. Blackie International noted that the Echigo-Tsumari area is one of the few heavy snowfall regions in Japan, so natural and cultural features such as semi-circular fish plank houses built for placing machinery and terraced fields have all been transformed into elements of the picture book world in "Forget to Say I Love You."

Why is this new work titled "Forget to Say I Love You"? Blackie International explained that it is meant to encourage everyone to cherish the present and remember to give a kiss to their loved ones, so there won’t be regrets or feelings of having missed the chance.

▲ The installation art concept of "Forget to Say I Love You" at Echigo-Mizusawa Station. (Photo provided by Blackie International)

Invited by the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, "Forget to Say I Love You" will also be presented as installation art at Tsuchiichi Station and Echigo-Mizusawa Station on the JR Yahiko Line. Aligning with the railway theme, the installation at Tsuchiichi Station is designed as a colorful train, with the picture book’s protagonist Little Tree and his pudding dog riding inside, gazing out at the scenery. At Echigo-Mizusawa Station, a cute big dog is designed to carry Little Tree on its back, allowing him to admire the surrounding green mountains and fields.

The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale runs from July 26 to September 13. Those who wish to see Jimmy Liao’s latest installation art creations can visit the area in person. In addition to enjoying Jimmy Liao’s works, visitors can also step into the real-life locations that inspired "Forget to Say I Love You," immersing themselves in the nature surrounded by green mountains and blue waters.The works will remain on display even after the exhibition period ends, allowing travelers to step into Jimmy Liao’s picture book world the moment they disembark from the train, no matter when they visit.