Brussels unveiled a 70-meter floral carpet inspired by Hokusai’s “The Great Wave” on August 13, as part of the 24th Flower Carpet event celebrating 160 years of Belgium-Japan diplomatic ties. The installation, crafted by Japanese artist Hiro Sugiyama’s team, used 500,000 dahlias and will remain until August 16.
The giant floral carpet, unveiled in Brussels’ Grand Place, reimagines Katsushika Hokusai’s iconic “The Great Wave” through 500,000 dahlias arranged across 1,300 square meters of cobblestones. Volunteers, including Japanese Ambassador Takeshi Osuga, meticulously placed flowers according to a numbered pattern, ensuring the design’s accuracy. The artwork, titled “Neo-Hokusai” by artist Hiro Sugiyama and his collective Enlightenment, marks the 24th edition of the biennial Flower Carpet, a celebration of Belgian and Japanese cultural collaboration. The event is a once-in-a-decade celebration in Brussels that marks the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belgium and Japan.
A Floral Tribute to Hokusai’s Legacy
The installation, measuring 70 meters long by 24 meters wide, translates Hokusai’s 19th-century woodblock print into a living artwork. Volunteers worked through the morning of Thursday, 13 August, placing flowers by hand on a numbered carpet to gradually reveal the design. Visitors gathered around the square to watch the work take shape and photograph the finished sections. The design, described as a modern reinterpretation
of the masterwork, blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with Brussels’ historic architecture. The event coincides with the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belgium and Japan, highlighting cultural exchange through art and public engagement.
The carpet’s creation involved a detailed system: each color was assigned a number, guiding volunteers to place flowers precisely. Japanese sponsors supported the project, while the Belgian public observed the labor-intensive process. The final piece, visible from the Grand Place’s surrounding buildings, offers a new perspective on Hokusai’s work, framed by the square’s historic buildings. The design is part of the 24th edition of the biennial Flower Carpet, which takes place every two years.
Cultural Collaboration and Public Engagement
The event featured direct participation from Japanese cultural figures, including Ambassador Osuga, who joined volunteers in laying flowers. Hiro Sugiyama’s team, known for their “Neo-Hokusai” concept, emphasized the fusion of tradition and innovation. Local and international visitors marveled at the scale, with some capturing the work in progress on their devices. The project’s transparency—allowing the public to witness its creation—underscored its role as both an artistic and diplomatic endeavor.
Japanese sponsors provided logistical support, while Belgian organizers highlighted the event’s significance as a symbol of enduring bilateral ties. This edition, however, stands out for its focus on cross-cultural dialogue through art. Volunteers worked from a small reference image, with each color corresponding to a specific number to ensure the pattern was reproduced exactly.
What Comes Next: Light Shows and Lasting Impressions
The floral carpet will remain on display until August 16, with nightly sound and light shows from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. These performances, scheduled to begin on August 14, will enhance the artwork’s visual impact, projecting the wave’s imagery onto the Grand Place’s buildings. The event’s conclusion marks the end of the 24th Flower Carpet, but its legacy lies in fostering cultural appreciation and collaboration. For visitors, it offers a rare chance to experience Hokusai’s work in a dynamic, tactile form.
The installation’s blend of historical reverence and modern creativity reflects broader efforts to bridge artistic traditions. As the light shows begin, the carpet will serve as both a tribute to Hokusai and a testament to the enduring partnership between Belgium and Japan.
