LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
ARTS & COLLECTIBLES
CREATIVE CROSSROADS
Setouchi is a masterful convergence of contemporary art and historical legacy, where modern creativity seamlessly intertwines with the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The Setouchi region of Japan has emerged as an essential pilgrimage for those attuned to the symbiotic relationship between art, history, and nature. In this quiet enclave, framed by the tranquil Seto Inland Sea, an avant-garde artistic movement melds with deeply embedded cultural traditions, creating a nuanced narrative that bridges past and present. The region beckons art connoisseurs with its striking juxtaposition of ancient shrines and modern installations, a testament to Japan’s ability to honor its heritage while forging new creative frontiers.
Art in Transit: The La Malle de Bois Sightseeing Train
In a country where transportation itself can be an art form, the La Malle de Bois sightseeing train offers a rare, kinetic canvas for creative expression. Launched in 2016, this train transcends the utilitarian nature of travel by transforming it into an immersive aesthetic experience. Winding through the scenic routes of Okayama, Uno, Mihara, and beyond, the journey is punctuated by curated art installations that blur the lines between mobility and stillness, all while the untouched landscapes of Setouchi serve as an ever-shifting backdrop.
The train’s design allows for a blend of leisure and exploration, including spaces for cyclists to further immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty. This thoughtful integration of art and environmental consciousness elevates the train journey to a holistic experience, where the movement between destinations becomes a reflective and contemplative process. It is a compelling reminder of how art can be both lived and observed, an experience unique to Setouchi.
Izushi: An Architectural Dialogue with Art
At the heart of Setouchi’s artistic reinvention lies the town of Izushi, within the Okayama City Cultural Zone. Here, art and architecture engage in a sophisticated dialogue, offering an experience that extends beyond mere observation. The A&A HOTEL, with its minimalist lines and carefully crafted spaces, represents an extraordinary collaboration between contemporary artists and Japanese architects. This isn’t merely a hotel; it’s an experiment in inhabiting art.
The Jonathan Hasegawa and Liam Fuji buildings, part of the A&A initiative, challenge traditional notions of space, offering environments where art seamlessly integrates into the everyday. Through their use of local materials like Okayama wood, these structures root themselves in the regional context, making them a part of the landscape they inhabit. The result is a meditative experience where visitors are invited not only to stay but to live within an ongoing artistic narrative that unfolds across the Setouchi region’s horizon.
Kagawa: Where History and Art Converge
The Kagawa area on Shikoku Island stands as a profound testament to the layered history that defines Setouchi. The Kotohira-gu Shrine, perched high above the Seto Inland Sea, is a site of spiritual significance that draws parallels to the region’s maritime past. Yet, it is in the Old Konpira Grand Theatre, Japan’s oldest existing kabuki theater, that history and performance art achieve a harmonious coexistence. Here, in the intimate setting of this Edo-period relic, the ritualized beauty of kabuki is still performed, as if time itself has paused in deference to the art.
Equally significant is the Benesse Art Site Naoshima, a project that has transformed the island into an artistic mecca. Since its inception in 1985, the site has evolved from a bold experiment in cultural revitalization into a global destination for contemporary art. Naoshima, along with Teshima and Inujima, now houses an array of installations that seamlessly integrate with the natural landscape, challenging conventional ideas of space, permanence, and artistic intent. The Setouchi Triennale, inaugurated in 2010, further cemented these islands as a vital locus for art, pushing boundaries while remaining deeply connected to the region’s cultural and natural heritage.
Takehara: Time Preserved in Artisanal Craft
Setouchi’s commitment to preserving its past while embracing the future is perhaps nowhere more evident than in Takehara, a merchant town in Hiroshima Prefecture. Walking through its Edo-period streets is akin to stepping into a living diorama, where the architecture and artisanal craftsmanship remain largely untouched by time. Takehara’s legacy as a hub for salt and sake production is preserved not only in its historic townscape but also in the carefully maintained traditions of bamboo craftsmanship. The Machinami Takekobo Bamboo Craft Workshop offers more than just a glimpse into this artisanal tradition—it invites visitors to engage in the act of creation itself, as they learn to shape bamboo into functional and decorative objects.
In this way, Takehara serves as both a monument to Japan’s artisanal past and a living example of how craftsmanship remains an integral part of the cultural fabric in Setouchi. It is a poignant reminder that art, in its most profound forms, is not merely a product but a process—a conversation between past and present, between tradition and innovation.
Setouchi: A Cultural Landscape
In Setouchi, art is not confined to galleries or museums. It exists in motion, in architecture, in the very landscapes that have inspired centuries of creativity. This region, in its ability to house both the relics of the past and the visions of the future, stands as a beacon for those who seek to understand the intricate dialogue between history and contemporary art. It is a place where the boundaries of art are continually redefined, offering an experience that is both intellectually stimulating and aesthetically transformative.