Setouchi Triennale 2025: A Vital and Vibrant Festival of Art

International

The Setouchi Triennale is a major celebration of contemporary art that unfolds across the islands of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea.

Since its launch in 2010, the festival has revolved around the central theme of “Restoration of the Sea,” encouraging artists, locals, and visitors to engage deeply with the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and creative possibilities. Spanning 100 days and divided into spring, summer, and autumn sessions, the festival invites exploration of Setouchi’s ever-changing landscapes. Now in its sixth edition, it encompasses 17 unique locations.

Highlights in Kagawa Prefecture and Naoshima Island

Kagawa Prefecture—particularly the iconic island of Naoshima—remains at the heart of the Setouchi Triennale, offering exceptional artistic experiences and architectural landmarks.

Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery: Time Corridors

This gallery presents an immersive encounter with the renowned artist Hiroshi Sugimoto’s works. It features a wide-ranging collection of his signature pieces, including photography, sculpture, and architectural designs. The installation Time Corridors invites contemplation on memory, transience, and the essence of life.

Benesse House Museum

Opened in 1992 and designed by the celebrated architect Tadao Ando, Benesse House combines museum and hotel in a dramatic seaside setting. In 2025, it launched a new exhibition featuring major Western artists such as Frank Stella. With site-specific installations and outdoor artworks, it offers a compelling dialogue between art, architecture, and nature.

Liminal Air -core- by Shinji Ohmaki

Towering eight meters above Takamatsu Port, this mirrored, color-shifting sculpture responds to light and movement, drawing visitors into a sensorial, immersive space. It reflects and transforms its surroundings, creating a fluid boundary between self and environment—an evocative example of Ohmaki’s sensory-driven approach.

Kagawa Prefectural Arena

Completed in 2025, this 10,000-seat venue was designed by the internationally acclaimed architectural firm SANAA. With its flowing, low-profile structure, it harmonizes with the coastal landscape of the Seto Inland Sea. Even outside of events, its open public areas offer a tranquil space for everyday encounters with art and architecture.

2025 Festival Sessions

Spring: April 18 – May 25

Summer: August 1 – August 31

Autumn: October 3 – November 9

The Setouchi Triennale 2025 continues to blend art, nature, and everyday life, offering a vibrant journey across one of Japan’s most breathtaking regions.