TOKYO STACK011

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Noboru Furukawa, alias Dr. Fukuro, alias Dr. Owl… Taking the owl as a symbol for one of those
Perfection Institutes where young Japanese find the extra spring for yet another hurdle on their
formidable educational track is an excellent idea itself. But when such a choice is founded on a
collection of 24.000 different owls in all forms and materials (and the number has surely increased
since my last visit), then one must bow down before a veritable cult. Here Doctor Owl shows me the
specimens embroided inside his coat: but look at his tie. The Institute now devotes a great deal of its
activities to the Owl: making owls better known, helping protect endangered species… No doubt
this is a unique case of a symbol elevated to the rank of an object. As if France were to begin raising
roosters, or Germany, eagles.