A First Encounter: Excitement Beyond Transparent Glass Among the many places I looked forward to visiting during my trip to Kanazawa, Japan, the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art was at the top of my list. The fact that it was designed by the world-renowned architectural firm SANAA (Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa) was enough to draw me in, as a former architecture student. True to its concept of being a museum as comfortable and accessible as a park, the museum I encountered was a magnificent circular glass building, blending naturally with its surroundings. My first impression was that it resembled a transparent spaceship gently nestled within the city. The artworks and the movement of people visible beyond the glass walls, blurring the lines between inside and outside, piqued my curiosity even before I entered. It felt less like a space merely for viewing art and more like a massive work of art itself, and stepping inside felt like an exciting exploration into a new world. Circular Aesthetics: Dreaming of Boundaryless Communication The most striking architectural feature of the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is undoubtedly its overwhelming circular design. This gigantic glass disc, measuring 112.5 meters in diameter, is intentionally designed without a designated front or back. Four entrances allow easy access from any direction, aiming to create an open space where anyone can freely enter and enjoy art, much like a park. This openness seems to reflect the museum's desire to actively engage with the city. The interior, too, organically follows this circular structure, with mostly glass walls ensuring continuous visual communication between inside and outside, and between spaces. SANAA's design encourages visitors to experience the artworks and spaces freely, like a city stroll, rather than being confined to a fixed route. As I wandered through the museum, I repeatedly encountered unexpected artworks and witnessed special moments where the outdoor scenery blended with the indoor exhibits. Harmony of Light and Space: Embracing Flexible Exhibitions Upon entering the museum, independent exhibition rooms in the shape of white cubes catch the eye. These rooms are designed with varying sizes and heights to flexibly accommodate diverse scales and forms of contemporary art. While each room is scattered like an island, they are organically connected by transparent glass corridors and open spaces. This arrangement gives visitors the pleasure of creating their own viewing path, akin to exploring a maze. The abundant natural light streaming through the glass ceilings and walls creates a soft, warm atmosphere that artificial lighting simply cannot replicate, enhancing the quality of artwork appreciation. Light changes with time, giving the space varied expressions, offering visitors a unique experience of interacting with art. The small courtyards nestled between the exhibition halls were particularly impressive, serving as resting spaces to momentarily pause and connect with the outdoors, adding another layer of visual delight. Organic Connection of Independent Exhibition Spaces The interior of the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art features a layout of numerous dispersed, independent exhibition spaces known as 'white cubes.' This departs from the traditional unidirectional flow of traditional museums, reflecting SANAA's intention to allow visitors to experience the space freely, like exploring a city's alleyways. The varying sizes and heights of each exhibition room are designed to effectively display diverse contemporary art forms such as installation art, paintings, and videos. These independent spaces are loosely connected by transparent glass corridors and large common areas, providing an open and unconstrained feel. Visitors can choose exhibition rooms at will, without following a specific order, and the glass walls offer glimpses of other exhibition rooms or the outside landscape during movement, adding to the visual pleasure. This spatial arrangement plays a significant role in making the encounters with the artwork richer and more multifaceted. Erasing the Boundaries Between Art and Daily Life: 'The Swimming Pool' If I had to choose a representative work of the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, it would undoubtedly be Leandro Erlich's 'The Swimming Pool'. This artwork appears as an ordinary swimming pool at first glance but is, in fact, an installation where visitors can walk beneath a thin glass sheet filled with water. Those looking down see people seemingly submerged, while those looking up from below experience the unique perspective of seeing people outside through the rippling glass ceiling. I, too, experienced the strange and amusing sensation of observing each other from opposite sides of this watery boundary. The artwork transcends mere visual amusement; it compels us to reconsider the boundaries of space and perception that we take for granted. The joyful participation and interaction of people of all ages demonstrate that contemporary art is not something difficult or obscure but something that can coexist with our daily lives. This artwork is a symbolic representation of the 'open museum' values pursued by the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Diverse Artistic Experiences and Comfortable Relaxation Beyond Leandro Erlich's 'Swimming Pool,' the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is filled with many other captivating artworks and spaces. James Turrell's 'Blue Planet Sky' is an installation featuring an open square ceiling that brings the ever-changing sky into the artwork itself, inviting contemplation simply by gazing upwards. Olafur Eliasson's 'Colour activity house' offers the delight of experiencing changes in light and color through a spiral passage made of trichromatic glass. The permanent collections throughout the museum harmonize naturally with the architecture, continuously offering visitors the joy of discovery. The museum also boasts various amenities such as a design shop, restaurant, cafe, and library, allowing visitors to relax or find other forms of enjoyment beyond art appreciation. The time spent in the cafe overlooking the green lawn through large glass windows remains a tranquil and peaceful memory. Where Architecture, Art, and City Meet My time at the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art transcended mere art appreciation; it was a valuable experience of witnessing the harmonious coexistence of architecture, art, and city. SANAA's innovative architecture serves as a backdrop that accentuates the artworks, simultaneously standing as a complete work of art itself, deeply moving visitors. The museum's accessibility to the public, similar to a city park, and its efforts to actively engage with the community through various programs exemplify the direction contemporary museums should strive for. Rather than passively observing art along a predetermined path, the museum encourages active exploration of its spaces, allowing visitors to engage with art in their own way—a captivating aspect I will long remember. If you visit Kanazawa, I highly recommend experiencing the joy of strolling alongside art within this exceptional glass disc.
2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Ushering in a New Era In 2025, the FIFA Club World Cup will return in a completely revamped format. Moving beyond its previous small-scale structure, it will transform into a massive tournament featuring a staggering 32 teams. Much like the national team World Cup, this promises to be the ultimate competition to determine the true global champion in club football. Personally, as a football fan, I'm incredibly excited about this change. I anticipate an unparalleled scale and intensity, and I'm already looking forward to it. The new Club World Cup will be held every four years, with the inaugural edition taking place in the United States in 2025. It's exciting to wonder which teams will grace the pages of this new chapter in history and what kind of drama will unfold. This Club World Cup will be more than just crowning a winner; it will provide an unforgettable experience for football fans worldwide. Host Country and Tournament Dates: The United States Heats Up with Football Fever The United States will host the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Having successfully hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup and preparing to co-host the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico, their tournament operational capabilities are beyond question. Personally, I always look forward to football events in the US. The diverse range of ethnicities and cultures promises a vibrant atmosphere both on and off the field. The tournament is scheduled to run for approximately one month, from June 15th to July 13th, 2025. A summer event, we can anticipate passionate play from the players and fervent support from the fans, mirroring the intensity of the heat. The matches are likely to be spread across multiple US cities, adding another layer of appeal with each city offering its unique charm. I hope to attend in person to experience the electrifying atmosphere. Qualification and Allocation: A Continental Battle of Pride Thirty-two teams will participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with a set number of slots allocated to each continental confederation. UEFA holds the most spots with 12, followed by CONMEBOL with 6, AFC, CAF, and CONCACAF each with 4, OFC with 1, and the host nation with 1. Qualification will be based on continental Champions League results, ensuring the presence of the best teams from each continent. While I anticipate a strong European presence, I also expect upsets from other continents. The performance of Asian teams and the potential participation of a K League team are particularly intriguing. Confirmed Participating Teams: A Glimpse of the Stellar Showdown Several teams have already secured their spots in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. From Europe, we have Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Porto, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Atlético Madrid, and FC Red Bull Salzburg – truly exciting names. From South America, Brazilian giants Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Fluminense have confirmed their participation. In Asia, Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), and Al Ain (UAE) have qualified. From Africa, Al Ahly (Egypt) and Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) secured their spots. In North and Central America, Monterrey, Seattle Sounders, and Club León (Mexico/USA) have qualified. From Oceania, Auckland City (New Zealand) has secured a spot. While not all participants are confirmed, the teams already announced are enough to build considerable anticipation. I personally hope my favorite team will participate and deliver exceptional performances. Projected AFC Additional Qualifying Teams: The Potential for a K League Team? The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has four slots, with Al Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds, and Al Ain already confirmed. A fierce competition is expected for the remaining spot. Ulsan Hyundai, the reigning ACL champions, are the strongest contenders. Their qualification would be a great opportunity to showcase the K League's prowess on the global stage. I personally hope to see a K League team achieve significant success in the Club World Cup. While other Asian teams pose a strong challenge, Ulsan Hyundai's past performance suggests their chances are high. The identity of the final Asian representative and their performance on the world stage are highly anticipated. New Format, New Expectations: A Celebration for Football Fans The revamped 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is more than just an increase in participating teams. It will feature a group stage followed by a knockout tournament, promising even more thrilling matches. I believe the group stage with teams from various continents will be particularly exciting. The previous short knockout format featuring only continental champions felt somewhat lacking; this change will elevate the tournament to a prestigious competition that truly decides the world's best club. While concerns about player burnout and operational challenges exist, I hope FIFA addresses them and delivers a successful tournament. I expect this Club World Cup to provide unforgettable moments for football fans worldwide, while marking a new era for club football.
The Glorious Return of the Korean Monster: Focus on 2025 'Korean Monster' Ryu Hyun-jin, after a brilliant career in Major League Baseball, has returned to the KBO league, filling domestic baseball fans with immense excitement and anticipation. In 2024, he showcased his enduring class in his first KBO season in 12 years, and anticipation for the 2025 season is even greater. What will Ryu Hyun-jin be like in 2025? Let's look ahead to the 2025 season through a detailed analysis, including his projected game schedule. Projected 2025 Starting Schedule: The Hanwha Eagles' Ace Dominates the Mound The 2025 KBO league is expected to begin in late March or early April. Ryu Hyun-jin, as the undisputed ace of the Hanwha Eagles, is highly likely to be the team's opening day starting pitcher. The KBO league typically operates on a once-a-week starting schedule, with adjustments made based on team circumstances and player condition. Ryu Hyun-jin is known for his meticulous adherence to his routine, built on years of experience. In 2025, he's projected to make approximately 25-30 starts, consistently rotating through the starting lineup. His presence on the mound will be particularly noticeable in crucial games and those against rival teams. Although the official KBO schedule hasn't been released, based on previous years, more intense appearances are anticipated during weekend series against major teams and the latter half of the season when the playoff race intensifies. Key Matchups to Watch for Ryu Hyun-jin in 2025 Ryu Hyun-jin's starts in 2025 will generate considerable buzz. Games against former rival teams, the LG Twins and Doosan Bears, are particularly anticipated. The matchups against the Kiwoom Heroes and KT Wiz, brimming with young and talented hitters, will also be exciting. The KBO league has changed significantly since Ryu Hyun-jin's time in MLB, with the emergence of new star players. These matchups will be a new challenge for Ryu Hyun-jin and unmissable spectacles for fans. The clash between his veteran pitching prowess and the youthful energy of the new generation of hitters promises to electrify the 2025 KBO season. What to Watch for in Ryu Hyun-jin's 2025 Season: Key Points Here are some key points to enhance your enjoyment of Ryu Hyun-jin's 2025 performance. First, his 'health' is paramount. As a veteran born in 1987, completing a full season injury-free is crucial. Although known for his self-discipline, fans will undoubtedly wish for his continued health and consistent performance. Second, the 'harmony of his pitches and control'. While he may not throw as many fastballs as during his MLB days, his pinpoint control, diverse pitch repertoire, and superior game management remain potent weapons against KBO hitters. Observing his nuanced pitching strategy and experience will be a great source of enjoyment. Finally, his 'correlation with team performance'. With Ryu Hyun-jin's arrival, the Hanwha Eagles are considered a strong contender for postseason contention. Observing his leadership and ability to guide his team to the playoffs will be another compelling aspect of the season. Predicting Ryu Hyun-jin's 2025 Performance: The Legend Continues In his first year back in the KBO league in 2024, Ryu Hyun-jin demonstrated his continued excellence despite injury concerns. Having fully adapted to the KBO league in 2025, he's likely to be even more dominant. Experts predict that Ryu Hyun-jin will record over 15 wins and an ERA under 2.00 in 2025, putting him in contention for the wins and ERA titles. His wealth of experience and exceptional crisis management will add stability to the Hanwha Eagles' pitching rotation, which features many young players. His sheer presence will also exert immense pressure on opposing teams. We eagerly anticipate what new history Ryu Hyun-jin will make in the KBO league in 2025. The Excitement of 2025 with Ryu Hyun-jin Ryu Hyun-jin's return to the KBO league signifies more than just the return of a star player. His every pitch embodies the history and pride of Korean baseball. Each moment he steps onto the mound in 2025 will bring great emotion and joy to fans. The opportunity to witness his veteran pitching and participate in creating new KBO history is a great blessing for all baseball fans. Let's look forward to a more fervent and exhilarating KBO league in 2025 with Ryu Hyun-jin. A Message of Support to Ryu Hyun-jin Ryu Hyun-jin, we are incredibly grateful for your return to the KBO league. In 2025, we wish you good health, enjoyment, and injury-free play. Remember that every pitch is supported by the cheers of Korean baseball fans. We cheer you on to show the world once again the might of the 'Korean Monster'! We dream of the day you'll lead the Hanwha Eagles to not only the postseason but also the Korean Series championship!