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- Lego BUILD UP Japan map<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.1
- Lego BUILD UP Japan mapThe 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.2
- Lego BUILD UP Japan mapUsing ivory pieces, kids of all ages gathered in workshops in six different locations to assemble the dream landscape.3
- Lego BUILD UP Japan mapOnce 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.4
- Lego BUILD UP Japan mapDrawing 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.5
- Lego BUILD UP Japan mapAmidst 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.6
- Lego BUILD UP Japan mapThe gorgeous map is also part of the Piece of PEACE exhibition, which highlights models of World Heritage projects built with LEGOs.7