It is saddens us that this summer is ending. The chorus of cicada at Ohori Park, turtles on our way to the studio, giant lotus blossoms in front of castle ruins and sweat beads on everyone’s foreheads despite overworking fans; we already know it will be greatly missed.

It was a huge challenge. To show how to make various complicated patterns to many people who had never seen the crochet hook before, in different language, in such a short time and in such a hot studio! Meeting daily for many weeks, we experienced the volunteers slowly warming to the concept of making art together under a shared, common goal. Our relationships evolved from a foreign artist, to a teacher, to friends as we truly shared the ownership of the work and the vision that now unites us.

The project became the physical manifestation of making and connecting art, craft and relationships. Barriers of language, different skills, culture and age slowly evaporated, replaced with hard work, determination and a lot of laughter. The bond of friendships will be ever more enduring than the artwork.

The work that united all of us is now complete, stands as a joyous emblem of everyone’s love and dedication. The art has become a signifier of the power each of us has in order to make a difference, The Power of One, or The Power as One, as it would not have been possible without the people of Fukuoka.

We are grateful for the kindness and support shown to us from everyone involved with the project, and the success of making the project is a testament to the volunteers, the technical crew, the museum staff, the City and to unseen supporter who helped to make this project a reality. We now feel very much at home in Fukuoka, and we promise that we will come back.