Japanese artist Tatsuo Miyaiima lights up the Shops at Crystals

Japanese artist Tatsuo Miyaiima has his work on display in the United States for the first time. The sculptor, called one of Japan’s most influential artists over the last two decades, brought his work “Hoto” to the Shops at Crystals.

Until now, his works had only been seen in Japan and China.

Miyaiima started using LED lights in his works in 1998, and “Hoto” features almost 4,000 of them in different colors in the shape of numbers. The mirrored pagoda stands 18 feet tall and 6 feet around. As guests walk around the circular tower, they can see themselves in the mirrors.

“Hoto” translates from Japanese into “treasure pagoda,” a nod to a Buddhist story about a jeweled tower that rises from the earth, floating in the air and covering half the Earth. Miyaiima often takes Buddhist tales and translates them into his own works.

The exhibit is part MGM Resorts’ new commitment to exposing Las Vegas travelers to Japanese culture. MGM Resorts is the parent company of the Shops at Crystals. Earlier this year, the Bellagio held “Kabuki Spectacle” on the Fountains of Bellagio, starring Japanese actors Ichikawa Somegoro and Nakamura Yonekichi; installed sculptures by artist Masatoshi Izumi; and converted the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens into a Japanese-inspired display for spring.