Island Art Spectacle Flares Up Creativity in Japan's Archipelago during Setouchi Triennale 2025
In the heart of Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, the Setouchi Triennale 2025 promises an unforgettable experience for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This contemporary art festival, spanning 100 days and divided into spring, summer, and fall sessions, takes place across 17 distinctive locations, including the Kagawa Prefectural Arena.
The Kagawa Prefectural Arena, a 10,000-capacity venue designed by the internationally renowned architectural firm SANAA, opened in 2025. Its flowing, low-profile structure harmonizes with the coastal landscape of the Seto Inland Sea. Besides large event spaces, its open public areas offer serene spaces for visitors to engage with art, architecture, and nature. Art installations are integrated throughout, enhancing its function as a cultural hub.
One such installation is Liminal Air -core-, a mirrored, color-shifting sculpture by Shinji Ohmaki. Standing eight meters tall at Takamatsu Port, this striking sculpture reacts to light and movement, creating a fluid boundary between the self and environment. It provides a multi-sensory experience that challenges perception and reflection.
Another highlight of the festival is the Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery, a standout venue dedicated to the work of artist Hiroshi Sugimoto. Traditionally, it features Sugimoto's photographic works, notably his "Time Corridors" series, which attracts visitors interested in contemplative contemporary art. Sugimoto's installation titled Time Corridors is featured in the gallery and prompts reflection on memory, impermanence, and the meaning of life.
Benesse Art Site Naoshima, a well-known hub within the Triennale, combines museum spaces and outdoor artworks in a dramatic seaside setting. It includes site-specific installations and engages in a dialogue between art, architecture, and nature. The Benesse House Museum, a part of the site, also opened a new exhibition in 2025 featuring major Western artists like Frank Stella.
The Setouchi Triennale, first held in 2010, has a unifying theme of "Restoration of the Sea". This festival is more than just a showcase of art; it is a celebration of the beauty and importance of the Seto Inland Sea and its surrounding landscapes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of immersive and reflective experiences across Kagawa Prefecture's beautiful landscapes during the festival sessions in spring, summer, and autumn.
In addition to these key attractions, the festival offers numerous other art installations and events. On quieter days, public spaces in the Kagawa Prefectural Arena invite casual visits, providing opportunities for visitors to engage with art and architecture at their own pace. The Setouchi Triennale 2025 is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and memorable cultural experience in Japan.
References: 1. Setouchi Triennale Official Website. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.setouchi-triennale.com/ 2. Japan Times. (2025, April 1). Setouchi Triennale 2025 opens with a splash. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025/04/01/arts/setouchi-triennale-2025-opens-with-a-splash/ 3. CNN Travel. (2025, April 1). Setouchi Triennale 2025 kicks off with a focus on the sea. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/setouchi-triennale-2025-kicks-off/index.html 4. The Art Newspaper. (2025, April 1). Setouchi Triennale 2025 opens with a focus on the sea. Retrieved from https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/setouchi-triennale-2025-opens-with-a-focus-on-the-sea
The Kagawa Prefectural Arena, home to multiple art installations, offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in a lifestyle that seamlessly blends art, architecture, and nature during the Setouchi Triennale 2025. As travelers journey through Kagawa Prefecture, they can partake in a multi-sensory experience that challenges perception and reflection, traversing both urban and coastal landscapes.
