Setouchi Triennale 2025 Highlights: 10 Art Pieces You Shouldn't Miss

Record-Breaking Number of Artworks! Highlights of Setouchi Triennale 2025

The Setouchi Triennale 2025 will be held from April 18 to November 9 in Kagawa and Okayama Prefectures.

This sixth edition marks the first event after the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing a record-breaking 256 art pieces.

In this article, we will introduce 10 particularly noteworthy works.

1. Takamatsu Port Project (Soraami)

Takamatsu Port Project ("Soraami" is a work by Yasuhiro Igarashi)

Takamatsu Port serves as the gateway to the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Various art displays will be presented in its vicinity in 2025.

Among these, "Soraami" is particularly noteworthy. This art piece connects the memories of people, the sea, and the islands by having the local islanders and artists weave fishing nets together, re-capturing the landscape of the area.

"Soraami" was created during the Setouchi Triennale in 2013, 2016, and 2019, but in 2025, people from Toyoshima, Megijima, Okijima, Shodoshima, and the cities of Higashikagawa and Sanuki will be weaving the nets.

The five colors of the nets are said to represent the various shades of the Seto Inland Sea.

Additionally, a market themed around Vietnam will also be held at Takamatsu Port during the summer session.

2. Embrace: Shodoshima

Wen-Chih Wang - Embrace: Shodoshima

Shodoshima has the largest number of artworks in the Setouchi Triennale. Among them, the bamboo sculpture by Taiwanese artist Wen-Chih Wang is particularly popular.

Since 2010, Wen-Chih Wang has been continuously creating bamboo works near the famous scenic spot Nakayama Senmaida Rice Paddies. In 2025, with the cooperation of the local people, he will showcase "Embrace: Shodoshima" using 4,000 to 5,000 bamboo poles.

"Embrace: Shodoshima" is a bamboo spherical sculpture that can resemble a human head or even the Earth. Inside it, there is a depression shaped like Shodoshima, where visitors can sit and relax.

The artist aimed to create a space that fosters warmth and connections between people, making it easy to strike up conversations with those nearby.

When you are inside the sphere, you can feel the wind and the sounds of birds. It is a sanctuary-like place where you can sense a connection to the Earth.

3. Setouchi Asia Gallery on Shodoshima Island

Navin Rawanchaikul + Nawin Production - "Setouchi Asia Gallery," Nishiura Tower (OK Tower)

Another recommended spot in Shodoshima is the Setouchi Asia Gallery. Originally called Fukutake House, it has been renewed in 2025.

In 2025, the works of six contemporary Asian artists will be showcased here. The artwork reflects pressing issues faced by various Asian countries, such as refugee problems, destruction of ecosystems, and the loss of ancient cultures, all viewed through a sharp, perceptive lens.

One piece that particularly impressed me is the "OK Tower" featured in the photograph. Its gigantic painting, reminiscent of a Showa-era movie poster, captivates viewers; however, it was created based on detailed interviews with the residents of the islands in the Seto Inland Sea suffering from depopulation.

In Thailand, "OK" can mean "that's good" or "satisfying," but this artwork cleverly poses the question, "Can we truly say that the current situation is OK?" hidden beneath the humorous imagery.

Additionally, during the Setouchi Triennale, the "Setouchi Asia Gallery" is set to open an Asian cafeteria and a community cafe that will use local ingredients.

4. Naoshima New Art Museum *Opening on May 31

Picture courtesy of PR Times Ⓒ Tadao Ando Architect & Associates

Naoshima is known as a "holy place for contemporary art," home to many art spots such as the Chichu Art Museum and the Lee Ufan Museum.

On May 31, the Naoshima New Art Museum will open in this area. Designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, the building consists of two basements and one ground floor.

A staircase filled with natural light from skylights extends from the ground to the basement, with four galleries located on either side of the stairs. The museum itself is like a work of art.

The exhibitions will feature works by 12 individual artists or groups from various Asian countries, including Japan, China, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, India, and the Philippines. Workshops are also planned to take place.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance.

Details and Reservations for Naoshima New Art Museum: https://benesse-artsite.jp/general-information.html

*Please note that the Naoshima New Art Museum is not included in the Setouchi Triennale passport.

5. Memory of Lines on Teshima Island

Chiharu Shiota - "Memory of Lines"

Teshima Island, alongside Naoshima, is known globally as a hot spot for contemporary art.

While there is plenty of art to enjoy on this island even outside the Setouchi Triennale period, one piece to particularly look forward to in 2025 is Chiharu Shiota's "Memory of Lines."

Chiharu Shiota is one of Japan's most renowned contemporary artists and has a deep connection with the Setouchi region, having created works there during the 2010 Setouchi Triennale.

In "Memory of Lines," Shiota weaves a red thread through a somen (thin wheat noodle) making machine—an object the people of Teshima provided as "an important thing that is no longer needed but cannot be thrown away."

In a society that pursues convenience, the tools that have been left behind are reignited with new life through the artist's hands. The artwork evokes a striking impression along with a sense of poignancy.

6. Interpretation and Structure of Colors on Megijima Island

*Image is for illustration purposes. Jacob Dahlgren - "Interpretation and Structure of Colors" Photo: A-Foundation-

Megijima, located just a 20-minute ferry ride from Takamatsu Port, is known as a summer retreat for the citizens of Takamatsu. It has produced many popular art pieces, including "Megijima Shopping Street" and "Megijima Movie Theater."

This time, the focus is on "Interpretation and Structure of Colors," a project by Swedish artist Jacob Dahlgren.

This project involves collecting unused items such as books, tiles, and wooden boxes, which have square shapes, and coloring them to create a small town.

The canvas for this project will be the swimming pool of the local elementary school on Megijima. Visitors can view the town from above the pool or descend into it, allowing for multiple perspectives to enjoy the artwork.

7. Ogijima Future Project 2125

Showa 40th Association - "Ogijima Future Project 2125: Ogijima Barley and Future Museum" (Spring session exhibition image, illustrated by Parco Kinoshita)

Ogijima is about a 40-minute ferry ride from Takamatsu Port. With a population of approximately 130, it has become a popular island in the Setouchi region, recently welcoming around 100 new residents.

In 2025, the highlight for Ogijima will be the "Ogijima Future Project 2125: Ogijima Barley and Future Museum," organized by the Showa 40th Association.

The Showa 40th Association, made up of six artists including the renowned contemporary artist Makoto Aida, is working under the unique concept of "looking back from a future 100 years away." They aim to depict the island's future through the power of art and storytelling.

As the Setouchi region continues to experience population decline and depopulation, it will be fascinating to see what vision the artists have for the future of Okijima. Be sure to check it out!

8. Sei Island Project "SAY YES" *Spring session only

Toru Nakazaki - "Sei Island Project 'SAY YES' - Say-yo, chains, what do you bind or release?"

Sei Island (Seijima) in Sakaide City will be a new venue for the Setouchi Triennale in 2025. Though referred to as an "island," it was actually reclaimed during industrial park development in the late 1960s and is now connected to the mainland.

On Sei Island, 16 artists will showcase their artworks in the project "Sei Island Project 'SAY YES'," utilizing former kindergarten, elementary, and middle school buildings as their exhibition spaces.

One piece that particularly impressed me was Toru Nakazaki's "Say-yo, chains, what do you bind or release?" displayed in the old Sei Island Kindergarten.

This installation conveys stories gathered from residents of the area through approximately 40 plates with written narratives and visual installations.

The artwork reflects the reality that many people leave the region for employment, alongside the joyful memories from their kindergarten days that the local people share. It was a moving experience that left me feeling a deep sense of empathy.

9. Yashima Art Zoo - Beyond the Sea and Forest

Yuusuke Nishijima - "Yashima Art Zoo - Beyond the Sea and Forest: Rin"

Yashima is a popular tourist destination near Takamatsu, featuring attractions such as the theme park "Shikoku Mura" and the spectacular "Shishi no Rei Gan."

In 2022, the "Yashima-ru" community hub facility opened on the mountain, characterized by artistic architecture with glass corridors surrounding a plaza.

During the Setouchi Triennale 2025, the "Yashima Art Zoo - Beyond the Sea and Forest" will be exhibited here.

This exhibition features three-dimensional works by nine artists themed around the contrast between marine and terrestrial creatures. It showcases charming sculptures of animals like boars, which are commonly found on Yashima, and raccoons, which are associated with the area, offering a heartwarming experience.

10. Salt of Life in Uno Port

SILT - "Salt of Life"

Uno Port in Tamano City serves as the gateway to the islands of the Seto Inland Sea from Okayama Prefecture. Historically, this area thrived as a salt production site.

In light of this history, the sand artist collective SILT has created "Salt of Life."

This installation features artworks that use salt produced in Tamano City, with illustrations inspired by Japanese mythology. Additionally, music composed by pianists Hideyuki Hashimoto and Yuki Ishida plays in the background, creating a serene space for engaging with the art.

Salt is essential for human life. While such necessities often fade from awareness in modern times, this artwork invites viewers to reconnect with the source of life through the context of Uno.

Surrounding Uno Port, there are many other works, including the symbolic piece "Chinu of Uno," which is emblematic of the Setouchi Triennale.

Summer Session Features Shido and Tsuda Areas, Autumn Session Includes Udatsu as First-Time Participants

In addition, new works are planned to be created for both the summer and autumn sessions.

For the Setouchi Triennale 2025, the summer session will feature the Shido and Tsuda areas, while the autumn session will include Udatsu as first-time venues. Artworks connected to the local industries are expected to be developed in these areas as well.

Make sure to plan your trip to the Setouchi region in 2025!

For more information about the schedule and venues of the Setouchi Triennale, please see the article below.

Main image: Wen-Chih Wang - "Embrace: Shodoshima"