I saw Serena William's twin at the Hakone Open Air Museum in Japan

"Holy cow, that looks just like Serena Williams", was my initial reaction when I spotted this colorful, eye-catching sculpture standing by its lonesome at the Hakone Open Air Museum, squinting into the distance. Don't laugh, instead look at the bulging muscles on that thick yet curvaceous frame, the gaudily post-modern attire, accessorized with a bright polka-dotted bag, and tell me you don't see the resemblance between this sculpture's and the best female tennis player's physiques.


For non-followers of women's professional tennis, Serena Williams is the current no. 1 player in the world, a 13-time Grand Slam tournament winner (most recently Wimbledon 2010), and a fashionista all rolled into one. She has dominated the tour for the better part of this decade, and her opponents whom she spanks regularly on the tennis court will agree that she is a tough competitor, both physically and mentally.



Obviously, this giant-sized life-like outdoor sculpture, one of about 120 such sculptures scattered all over the grounds of the Hakone Open Air Museum in Hakone, Japan (the country's first ever open air art museum), wasn't really modeled after Venus William's more accomplished little sister, but nonetheless it emerged as one of my favorites during an afternoon exploring at the open air museum, and thus the nickname stuck in my mind. (Besides, the similarity really IS striking).

Below are more images of my favorite sculptures from the Hakone Open Air Museum (click to enlarge). In the event you need a break from strolling the grounds, there's a relaxing foot bath with water coming from the area's abundant hot springs, five indoor exhibition spaces (most notably the Picasso Pavilion), and the requisite cafes and restaurants (and gift shop, of course!)






Much like on the tennis court, "Serena Williams" at the Hakone Open Air Museum emerged as the most memorable, colorful and stylish among all the protagonists, regardless if you love it or hate it.

For more Japan posts, click here.