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About

About

Overview

Set on the largest outlying island in the Sea of Japan, the Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival, commissioned by JAPAN CULTURAL EXPO 2.0, is a platform where we can come together to envision and create a better future.

Sado Island long played a significant role in both the Japanese and international economies as a center of gold production. It has a rich history as a place of exile for notable historical figures: it’s where Emperor Juntoku (1197-1242) was exiled after the Jokyu War (1221), and where the famous playwright Zeami (c. 1363 – c. 1443) was banished after falling out of favor with the shogun Ashikaga Yoshinori (1394-1441). Between the Edo period (1603-1867) and the Meiji period (1868-1912), kitamaebune merchant ships regularly transported goods to and from Sado along the shipping route connecting the west-central Kinki region, the northwestern Hokuriku region, and the northern island of Hokkaido. In these ways, Sado has been a port of call for people and goods throughout history. It is also the birthplace of unique performing arts and culture, such as Noh theatre and the masked dance of Ondeko. That unique socio-cultural heritage is still alive today.

Participating artists from Japan and abroad will act as a bridge to rediscover Sado Island’s rich nature and unique history, its folkloric tales and traditions, and its people. Their diverse artworks will be exhibited in Ryotsu and other locations throughout Sado Island, alongside live art performances, tours, and experiential programs.

Art will act as a jumping off point as visitors discover the beauty and charm of Sado through encountering the nature, food, architecture, and other abundant culture of each area of the island.

In addition to checking out the exhibits and installations, visitors are also encouraged to explore Sado with the help of an audio guide and map. As they do, they’ll be inspired to cast their gaze inward, where they’ll awaken to their inner being and rediscover how we humans are a part of nature and the universe.

Right now, our future is shrouded in uncertainty, whether it is the global situation or the unpredictability of natural disasters. Nevertheless, we hope that our art festival is an opportunity to reflect on our inner selves, and that as the past and future come into dialogue, all things begin to connect and flow once again.

Concept

  • Dates：

    Sunday, August 11 – Sunday, November 10, 2024 (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays unless a holiday)

  • Venue：

    Ryotsu area and multiple other locations throughout Sado Island

  • Artwork Viewing Hours：

    August – September 10:00 〜 17:00 / October – November 10:00 〜 16:00

  • Producer：

    Morito Yoshida

  • Advisor：

    Noi Sawaragi / Naohiro Ukawa / Hiroyuki Ogawa

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