AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

Setouchi Triennale

GOING ARTSY IN JAPAN FOR 2022

As many of you know, I am always looking for art festivals to share with you and when I got a press release on the opening of a new hotel in Japan in conjunction with a revered art happening I got all excited.

Opening April 14th and running through May 18th in the art islands of Naoshima, Teshimi, Megijima, Ogijima, Shodoshima, Oshima, Inujima and Shamijima is the Spring Setouchi Triennale of 2022. In celebration, ROKA will also open the doors on its luxury 11 suite boutique hotel highlighting a collection centered around local artists in Naoshima.

Luckily, this art festival happens every three years and missed the worst of the pandemic. It is ready to come back strong from 2019 to present a better than ever program for 2022. This post will give you an idea of what you might be missing if you don’t put it on your bucket list and plan on staying at this lovely inn.

CONCEPT

The Setouchi Triennale takes place within the framework of Art Setouchi that continues every year and contributes to the restoration of the sea and the local communities surrounding it. It is named after the Seto Island Sea which has been a vital shipping route since ancient times contributing to the unique culture of the towns along its way.

Spanning 12 islands throughout spring, summer and fall the art and architecture are strong draws for visitors wishing to experience the history, culture and communities of the Setouchi area. Each place is unique in its arts and crafts, folklore and heritage.

Local elders have preserved important elements of life to share with the world, their visitors and local peoples to collaborate and create the beautiful art the area has become known for in order to shape a new future for generations to come.

THE MISSION

The Seto Island Sea has been a vital reason that local communities thrived along its routes for centuries. Those communities were eroding due to the aging of the population, globalization and the diminishing importance/vitality of an old trade route.

In the 1960’s Japan went through a rapid economic growth that caused environmental pollution from the large scale industries introduced into the area exacting a heavy toll. It is the aim of the art festival to revitalize the affected communities and bring about the necessary cultural exchanges to transform them into areas of artistic hope.

Known for its scenic beauty, tranquil waters and white sandy beaches, the area was first introduced to Westerners in the mid 19th century leading many to outline its wonders in their travel journals. The Triennale seeks to recapture those days. Enjoy the video below to get an idea of what the 2019 festival was like and what you might expect from 2022.

Photos courtesy of Setouchi Triennale 2019

WHY NAOSHIMA

With a population of only 3,100, Naoshima is comprised of 8 square kilometers of land. The name was given by Emperor Sutoku who was exiled to the area in 1156 and literally means “gentle island” because of the peoples sweet sincerity. Yellowtail fishing and seaweed farming are primary supports of the economy.

Theater arts blossomed during the early 19th and 20th centuries leading to the Onna Bunraku, a female-only puppetry group. It has become a center for contemporary art with a museum designed by self-taught architect and 1995 Pritzker Prize winner, Todao Ando along with “site specific works by such artists as James Turrell, Walter de Maria and Hiroshi Senju”.

Famous artist, Yayoi Kusama’s, Yellow Pumpkin sculpture sat on the pier in the Seto Island Sea like a lighthouse to Naoshima until it was swept out during a typhoon. It has since been recovered and is being restored to return to its original spot as a welcome to visitors.

ROKA INN

Nestled in the misty mountainous area of Naoshima will be the Roka Inn. A place for resting your mind, body and soul after a long day of biking around the island. With only 11 suites, it is perfect for a corporate get away or as a base for the family exploring the Setouchi Triennale 2022.

Designed as a ryokan, the inn creates a way to experience Japanese lifestyle and hospitality by using futon beds, traditional tatami floors, open-air garden tubs and Japanese haute cuisine which will be popular with both local and foreign visitors.

THE ZEN EXPERIENCE

The owner, Shintaro Sasaki, is a fourth-generation hotelier who carefully curates local furniture, fixtures and accessories that highlight a zen or “wa” experience for his customers. Think more like a gallery space where art meets architecture in a contemporary fashion with Japanese design and attention to detail.

Warm , soothing colors and wood tones mix effortlessly with minimal patterns and textures creating just the right backdrop to present the “Rokasumi” collection of artworks by young up and coming artists to “shake, push and heal the human mind”.

PUBLIC SPACES

By shining a light on these artists, Sasaki hopes to create opportunities similar to what other artists experience overseas as they build their resumes. He wants you, the customer, to experience the works in a deeper more thoughtful way instead of the more fleeting views provided by galleries and museums; really living and connecting with the art.

Public spaces not only provide this unique art experience but the opportunity to gather, meet and talk about history; exchanging ideas on each other’s cultures and hopefully learning to enjoy things we have in common as well as appreciating the differences.

The idea of gathering around a fire is as old as the ages and is recreated at Roka by the use of a fire pit located in the center of the property which acts as the hearth for customers to gather around and enjoy. Sasaki is trying to recreate the experiences he enjoyed the most while traveling over the years-meeting new people. That is the teaching moment of travel yes?

DELUXE ROOMS

Enter your deluxe suite; a large spacious room divided into both sleeping and living areas. A comfy futon style bed is laid out on traditional tatami mats with luxury bedding allowing for the best deep sleeping. Your bathroom offers the best in amenities while your open-air bath tub offers you the harmonious experience of soaking in warm soothing waters while naked in nature.

You can relax while reading in your comfortable sofas and chairs or enjoy some snacks or room services at your dining table. Special artworks are again on offer for your contemplation throughout the spaces where your host hopes you will live happily during your stay.

HAUTE CUISINE

The Setouchi area is well known for the taste of its fish among Japanese food lovers. At “Rokasumi” it will be no different with two top chefs working on the menus. Delicious dishes will be featured highlighting the fish and oysters from the sea.

The chefs, who honed their skills in Kyoto, will be presenting their a la carte menu as well as a kaiseki style course of meals meant to be simple and promote meditation along with their sushi offerings. I don’t know about you but I think the plates speak to the beauty and flavors of what you will experience while staying on property with Roka.

JUST SAY HAI

Shintaro Sasaki has created a wonderful property that tries to impart the Japanese way of life and culture in the hospitality shown to visitors. He provides both wa and harmony in his designs and a desire to promote local artists, artworks, crafts and foods in a unique boutique setting. Just say hai (yes) to all things Japanese and book a reservation soon. Enjoy the video below for a better idea of Naoshima and what it has to offer.

CONCLUSION

As you can see, the Setouchi Triennale is something special that allows you to visit an area committed to the arts, the sea and their local communities. Not only will you experience beautiful works of artists from around the world but the inspirational contemporary architecture of genius level designers.

After a day of biking around the island you’ll want to return to your mountain haven and soak in your garden tub at Roka. Enjoy the fabulous food and scenic views on offer to quiet your mind and body while you study the lovely artworks presented in the perfect setting. Don’t miss this destination in Japan for your next big adventure.

If you liked what you read, you may also like other posts under Artful Ideal. There you will find posts on art, books, theaters and other artsy things you might be interested in. Look at posts under Snap Shot that highlight destinations that should be on your bucket list. Until next time…

Cheers,

ArtsyChowRoamer

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