Visit Setouchi, Where Nature Meets Contemporary Art
In the Setouchi region, which comprises several hundreds of small islands, contemporary art, architecture and nature coexist off the beaten track.
The Seto Inland Sea hides a secret treasure: a series of islands (3000 in total) with magnificent landscapes, like the floating torii gates of Miyajima, the terraced rice fields of Hyogo and the canals of Kurashiki. Setouchi is known both for its environment and its relationship with contemporary art, and notably its triennial arts festival, which takes place over 12 islands simultaneously. On Naoshima, a sculpture of Yayoi Kusama stands facing the sea.
The event has helped increase tourism in the area while also preserving its typical, traditional charm. Here, the beauty of nature is showcased just as much as works of art.
TRENDING
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The Tradition of the Black Eggs of Mount Hakone
In the volcanic valley of Owakudani, curious looking black eggs with beneficial properties are cooked in the sulphurous waters.
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Gashadokuro, the Legend of the Starving Skeleton
This mythical creature, with a thirst for blood and revenge, has been a fearsome presence in Japanese popular culture for centuries.
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The Tattoos that Marked the Criminals of the Edo Period
Traditional tattoos were strong signifiers; murderers had head tattoos, while theft might result in an arm tattoo.
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Colour Photos of Yakuza Tattoos from the Meiji Period
19th-century photographs have captured the usually hidden tattoos that covered the bodies of the members of Japanese organised crime gangs.
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‘YUGEN’ at Art Fair Tokyo: Illumination through Obscurity
In this exhibition curated by Tara Londi, eight international artists gave their rendition of the fundamental Japanese aesthetic concept.
