Setouchi Triennale 2025 – Megijima: EncounteringContemporary Art on the Island of Oni

Hi everyone, it’s Lai.
This time, I visited Megijima, a charming little island just a 20-minute ferry ride from Takamatsu Port! As soon as you get off the boat, you’ll notice a long row of seagulls perched along the breakwater. Look closer and you’ll see they’re actually part of artist Taketo Kimura’s installation “Seagull Parking.” Over 300 iron seagulls rotate with the direction of the wind, and the creaking sound they make as they turn eerily resembles birds chirping—such a fun and whimsical welcome to the island!

Oni Cave: Where Myth and Reality Collide
Megijima is also famously known as “Oni Island” (Island of Demons), a name rooted
in local legend. The island’s famous Oni Cave is said to resemble the demon lair from
the classic Japanese folk tale Momotaro. Inside the cave, you’ll find various demon
statues and sculptures, bringing the story to life and allowing visitors to relive the
myth in an atmospheric setting.

After exploring the cave, follow the path upward to reach the observatory deck.
From there, you can take in sweeping views of Megijima, the Seto Inland Sea, and
neighboring islands—a breathtaking panorama!

“Chiisana Omise Project”: When Art Moves into the Neighborhood

This collaborative project features several artists transforming old rooms and spaces
into mini art shops. Each room in the building is curated by a different artist, and the
variety of styles makes it feel like wandering through an eclectic neighborhood of
creativity.
One of my favorites was the laundromat installation on the first floor, where the
washing machines are actually projected animations that simulate spinning drums.
There’s also an area with ping-pong tables, but none of them are ordinary—some are
covered in frying pans, others tilt at strange angles, and one even has an irregularly
shaped net. It’s a fun and playful space where you can challenge your friends to a
match of non-traditional table tennis!

Megijima is a compact island where myth, nostalgia, and contemporary art coexist
beautifully. Though small in size, it’s full of surprises at every turn—making it perfect
for a day trip filled with discovery and creativity. Since Megijima and Ogijima share
the same ferry line, I highly recommend pairing both islands in one trip for a
seamless and art-filled island-hopping adventure!
2025/5 Lai

If you like this article, please
Like !

Let's share this post !
TOC