From a post-industrial wasteland to an art-filled utopia, the story of Japan's art islands in the Seto Inland Sea is one of redemption. There are three islands to be exact: Naoshima, Teshima and Inujima, all of which were on the brink of being damaged beyond repair. Naoshima and Inujima were left barren from a booming but destructive copper smelting industry, while Teshima was buried under nearly a million tonnes of illegally dumped toxic waste. That is until Japanese billionaire Soichiro Fukutake stepped in. Horrified by the destruction-namely the reckless environmental damage caused by corporations to the formerly pristine islands, Fukutake took it upon himself to give them a new lease on life, saying in a statement that he "decided to use art to fight against what society had done" while restoring the Shinto values of honouring and finding harmony with nature.
Today, three decades and about US$250 million later, the trio are teeming with art and flora set against picturesque coastlines, bringing in hundreds of thousands of visitors per year who come to enjoy the works of Claude Monet, Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama and David Hockney, to name but a few.
It all began in 1988 when Fukutake, who at that time was the president and representative director of Fukutake Publishing (now Benesse Corporation), approached renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando to help him realise his vision of transforming the neglected and economically stifled islands into a paradise where visitors could come and admire works by some of the world's greatest artists. A sceptical Ando initially turned down the offer but was eventually convinced, and the Pritzker Prize-winning architect went on to design dozens of buildings across Naoshima, the most popular of the three islands.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 2023-Ausgabe von Tatler Singapore.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 2023-Ausgabe von Tatler Singapore.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
LIFE'S A BEACH
Tatler Asia gets an exclusive first look at Rosewood Phuket's new Houses, which include a colossal 21,000 square foot beachfront mansion
Making Memories
In planning the perfect wedding, the expert team at The St. Regis Singapore, with its dreamy ballrooms and bespoke service, ensures that your big day is replete with moments to cherish for a lifetime
GONE GLAMPING
Luxury experiential travel company and Beyond opens its first Asian lodge in Bhutan to showcase the country's natural beauty in its full glory
Under a Forest of Lights
For the discerning bride seeking an exclusive and bespoke celebration, JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach is certainly up to the task
BEYOND SINGAPORE
As the local dining scene gets more competitive, homegrown brands are expanding overseas with their innovative concepts
THE MAVERICK MINDSET
With the opening of his new exhibition in Japan, Takashi Murakami speaks to Tatler about his prolific and wide-ranging career
GIVING NATURE
From those leading Tamily to changemakers and fundraisers, these standout women in philanthropy share how they are making a difference through the causes they support
House Icons
Gabrielle Chanel wrote her own story in the world of jewellery-a tale that still lives on within the house of Chanel today through its contemporary creations and one-of-a-kind treasures in the Patrimoine collection
Wrist Action
Homegrown watch strap and accessories brand Delugs is making waves across the international watch scene. Co-founders Chia Pei Qi and Kenneth Kuan share how their passion project blossomed into a burgeoning business with an even stronger community
Chain Reaction
Dripping in diamonds and equipped with a dedicated in-house movement, Richard Mille's RM 07-01 Automatic watches are the paragon of innovation and stylish sophistication