Naoshima, a small island in Japan's Seto Inland Sea, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades. From a once industrial and polluted place, it has become an internationally recognized center of contemporary art. This transformation is the result of the vision and efforts of Benesse Holdings and architect Tadao Ando, who combined art, architecture and nature into a unique whole.
From industrial island to artistic paradise
In the 20th century, Naoshima was known mainly for its copper processing, which led to significant pollution and population decline. However, in the 1980s, Soichiro Fukutake, chairman of Benesse Holdings, initiated a project to revitalize the island through art. Together with architect Tadao Ando, they began building museums and art installations that harmoniously fit into the island's natural environment.
Benesse Art Site Naoshima
In 1989, the Naoshima International Camp was opened, which was the predecessor to today's Benesse Art Site Naoshima. This was followed in 1992 by the opening of the Benesse House Museum, which combines a museum and a hotel and exhibits works by prominent contemporary artists such as Bruce Nauman, Frank Stella and Hiroshi Sugimoto. The Chichu Art Museum opened in 2004, largely submerged in the ground and displaying works by artists such as James Turrell and Walter De Maria.
Benesse Art Site Naoshima: The Heart of an Art Island
It is also a center of artistic activity on the island, which includes several museums and art projects:
Benesse House Museum: A combination of museum and hotel, where visitors can directly experience contemporary art in a unique setting.
Chichu Art Museum: An underground museum designed by Tadao Ando that uses natural light to illuminate works by artists such as Claude Monet and James Turrell.
Lee Ufan Museum: A museum dedicated to the works of South Korean artist Lee Ufan, which emphasizes the connection between art and nature.
- Art House Project: A series of traditional Japanese houses in the village of Honmura that have been transformed into art installations.
Setouchi Triennale: A festival that brings the region to life
Since 2010, the island and surrounding areas have hosted the Setouchi Triennale, an international contemporary art festival that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every three years. The festival supports the revitalization of the region and brings new works of art to local communities.
Naoshima Today: A Connection of Art, Nature, and Community
Today, Naoshima is synonymous with the harmonious union of art and nature. Visitors can discover works of art scattered throughout the island, from beaches to hills, while experiencing the hospitality of the locals. The island has become an inspiration for similar projects in Japan and around the world that seek to revitalize communities through culture and art.
Art in everyday life
One of the most striking aspects of Naoshima is the integration of art into the daily lives of its residents. The Art House project in Honmura village transformed abandoned houses into art installations, combining traditional architecture with modern art. Among the most famous works is the yellow pumpkin with black dots by Yayoi Kusama, which has become a symbol of the island.
Setouchi Triennale
Since 2010, Naoshima has become the center of the Setouchi Triennale, an international art festival held every three years and attracting approximately one million visitors. The festival expanded artistic activities to the neighboring islands of Teshima and Inujima, supporting regional development and tourism.
Current status and future
The Naoshima New Museum of Art, Tadao Ando's tenth project on the island, opened in 2025 and focuses on contemporary Asian art. The museum is designed to blend in with the island's natural environment and features exhibitions of works by artists such as Takashi Murakami and Cai Guo-Qiang.
Despite the success of artistic projects, demographic decline remains a challenge. In the 1980s, the island had approximately 6,000 inhabitants, today there are around 3,000. However, in recent years, the number of new residents has been increasing slightly, many of them young couples who are moving to the island for its unique artistic atmosphere and job opportunities in tourism.
Naoshima is an example of how art can revitalize a community and transform an industrial island into an internationally recognized center of culture. Combining natural beauty, architecture, and art, the island has become a place where visitors can experience a unique fusion of past and present.
Recommended places to visit:
Benesse House Museum: A combination of museum and hotel with works by contemporary artists.
Chichu Art Museum: An underground museum designed by Tadao Ando, exhibiting works by James Turrell and Walter De Maria.islaguru.com
Art House Project: Traditional houses transformed into art installations in Honmura village.
Naoshima New Museum of Art: A newly opened museum focused on contemporary Asian art.
Yayoi Kusama's Pumpkin: The iconic yellow pumpkin with black dots on the pier in Miyanour
