Kids Build Epic Model of Japan from 1.8 Million LEGO Bricks!

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/LEGObuildupjapan/photos" target="_blank">Build Up Japan</a> just blew <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/lego/">LEGO enthusiasts</a> around the world right out of the water with an epic map of Japan made from 1.8 million bricks! The project called on 5,000 participants to collaborate and create the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/japanese-artist-carves-two-ton-marble-map-of-manhattan/" target="_blank">gigantic map</a> on the showroom floor. In light of the recent disasters in Japan, the project looked forward, asking participants to design the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/mvrdvs-porous-city-is-a-lego-model-used-to-explore-urban-planning-in-europe/" target="_blank">future topography</a> of their country, building their hopes for Japan block by block.

The building festivities celebrated <a href="http://inhabitat.com/amazing-lego-london-olympic-stadium-made-from-100000-bricks-wows-crowds/" target="_blank">LEGO</a>’s 50th year in Japan.

Using ivory pieces, kids of all ages gathered in workshops in six different locations to assemble the dream landscape.

Once each work group put the finishing touches on their assigned islands, the finished products were assembled together on a blue-clad floor of a convention center in Tokyo, creating the giant oversized map.

Drawing upon the hope and promise of rebuilding as their inspiration, the groups created a soaring <a href="http://inhabitat.com/incredible-lego-colosseum-made-from-200000-bricks-unveiled/" target="_blank">LEGO topography</a> of elegant spires, radio towers and busy skylines, populating each of Japan’s regions.

Amidst the towering white structures, the participants also created green spaces within each city scene. In addition to the decked-out Japanese islands filled with futuristic cities, the group also used thousands of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/amazing-lego-sculptures-show-connection-with-nature-at-reiman-gardens-in-iowa/" target="_blank">LEGO</a>s to created a cityscape in the shape of he number 2012. The completed map stretched almost 82 feet along the floor of the Tokyo International Forum exhibition hall.

The gorgeous map is also part of the Piece of PEACE exhibition, which highlights models of World Heritage projects built with LEGOs.