The Tower of the Sun in Japan: A Masonic Mystery?

The Tower of the Sun (太陽の塔) is a striking sculpture that stands in the Expo Commemoration Park in Osaka, Japan. It was created by the renowned artist Taro Okamoto for the 1970 Osaka Expo, the first world’s fair held in Asia. The Tower of the Sun is a symbol of the Expo’s theme, “Progress and Harmony for Mankind”, and represents the past, present, and future of human civilization

By 663highland

However, some people have a different interpretation of the Tower of the Sun. They believe that it contains a hidden message from a secret society that influenced the Expo and Japan’s post-war economic boom. They claim that the Tower of the Sun is actually a Masonic monument, and that the Expo was a showcase of Freemasonry, a fraternal organization that traces its origins to the medieval stonemasons’ guilds.

But what is the evidence for this conspiracy theory? And what is the connection between Freemasonry and Japan? In this article, we will explore the origins and details of this intriguing mystery, and examine the facts and myths behind it.

The Tower of the Sun: A Masonic Symbol?

The main argument of the conspiracy theory is that the Tower of the Sun’s design, particularly its golden parts and facial features, resembles the Freemason compass and square logo, the most recognizable symbol of Freemasonry. The compass and square are architect’s tools that are used in Masonic ritual as emblems to teach symbolic lessons.

According to the theory, the Tower of the Sun has three faces that correspond to the three degrees of Freemasonry: the Entered Apprentice, the Fellowcraft, and the Master Mason. The Golden Mask at the top of the Tower represents the Master Mason, the highest degree, and signifies the future. The Face of the Sun on the front of the Tower represents the Fellowcraft, the intermediate degree, and signifies the present. The Black Sun on the back of the Tower represents the Entered Apprentice, the lowest degree, and signifies the past.

The theory also points out that the Tower of the Sun has a fourth face, the Underground Sun, that was displayed in the underground exhibit space of the Theme Pavilion during the Expo. The Underground Sun is said to have been a gigantic exhibit with a height of about 3 meters and a total length of around 11 meters. The theory claims that the Underground Sun represents the hidden or occult aspect of Freemasonry, and that it was removed after the Expo and its whereabouts are unknown.

The Expo '70: A Masonic Event?

The conspiracy theory also suggests that the Expo '70 was a Masonic event, and that Japan, during the post-war economic boom, was under the influence of Freemasonry. The theory cites several examples of alleged Masonic symbols and references at the Expo, such as:

• The Expo’s theme, “Progress and Harmony for Mankind”, which echoes the Masonic ideals of enlightenment and brotherhood.

• The Expo’s logo, designed by Tamekazu Ogawa, which consists of a red circle and five blue circles that form a flower-like shape. The theory claims that the logo represents the Masonic five-pointed star, also known as the blazing star, which is a symbol of divine providence and guidance.

• The Expo’s mascot, Kiccoro, a green creature with a red nose and antennae. The theory claims that Kiccoro’s name is derived from the Latin word “quicquid”, meaning “whatever”, which is a Masonic motto that expresses indifference to worldly affairs.

• The Expo’s site, the Senri Hills, which is a hilly area in Suita, Osaka Prefecture. The theory claims that the hills are shaped like pyramids, which are another symbol of Freemasonry, and that the Expo’s site was chosen to align with the stars and the sun.

• The Expo’s pavilions, which featured various shapes and designs that the theory interprets as Masonic symbols. For example, the theory claims that the pyramid-shaped pavilions of Canada, France, and Mexico were inspired by the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is considered by some Masons as a source of ancient wisdom. The theory also claims that the spherical pavilions of the United States, the Soviet Union, and Brazil were inspired by the celestial globe, which is a symbol of the universe and the Creator.

The Facts and Myths Behind the Conspiracy Theory

The conspiracy theory about the Tower of the Sun and the Expo '70 is certainly fascinating, but how much truth is there to it? Is there any evidence that supports or refutes the claims of the theory?

The first thing to note is that there is no official or definitive source for the theory. The theory seems to have originated from various online forums and blogs, where people have shared their opinions and speculations based on their own interpretations of the Tower of the Sun and the Expo '70. There is no clear author or originator of the theory, and no credible or authoritative references or citations are provided. Therefore, the theory should be taken with a grain of salt, and not as a proven or established fact.

The second thing to note is that there is no direct or conclusive evidence that links the Tower of the Sun and the Expo '70 to Freemasonry. There is no record or documentation that shows that Taro Okamoto, Kenzo Tange, or any of the other architects, designers, or organizers of the Expo '70 were Freemasons, or that they had any contact or affiliation with Freemasonry. There is also no record or documentation that shows that Freemasonry had any involvement or influence in the planning or execution of the Expo '70, or that it had any agenda or purpose behind it.

The third thing to note is that the similarities and connections between the Tower of the Sun and the Expo '70 and the Freemason symbols and references are mostly based on subjective and arbitrary interpretations, and not on objective and factual analysis. The theory relies heavily on visual and verbal associations, which can be easily manipulated and distorted to fit any desired narrative or conclusion. For example, the theory claims that the Tower of the Sun’s faces correspond to the three degrees of Freemasonry, but this is based on a superficial and selective comparison, and ignores the differences and discrepancies between them. The theory also claims that the Expo '70’s logo represents the Masonic five-pointed star, but this is based on a vague and arbitrary resemblance, and ignores the other possible meanings and interpretations of the logo.

The fourth thing to note is that the Tower of the Sun and the Expo '70 have their own official and legitimate explanations and meanings, which are based on the original intentions and visions of their creators and organizers. The Tower of the Sun and the Expo '70 were not designed or intended to convey any hidden or secret message, but rather to express the theme of “Progress and Harmony for Mankind”, and to showcase the achievements and aspirations of Japan and the world in the 20th century. The Tower of the Sun and the Expo '70 were inspired by various sources and influences, such as Japanese mythology, ancient civilizations, modern art, science, technology, and culture, but not by Freemasonry.

Therefore, the conspiracy theory about the Tower of the Sun and the Expo '70 is largely unfounded and unsupported by the available evidence. It is a product of imagination and speculation, and not of reality and truth. It is a fascinating and entertaining story, but not a factual and credible one.

Conclusion

The Tower of the Sun and the Expo '70 are remarkable and memorable landmarks in the history of Japan and the world. They are symbols of the spirit and creativity of the 1970 Osaka Expo, and of the theme of “Progress and Harmony for Mankind”. They are not symbols of Freemasonry, or of any secret society or hidden message. The conspiracy theory that claims otherwise is a myth, and not a mystery.