A QUIET PLACE
Tatler Philippines|March 2023
How one man's vision transformed three Japanese islands from dystopian dumpsites into world-revered art destinations
Coco Marett
A QUIET PLACE

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 due to the reckless environmental damage caused by corporations on 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 realize 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.

Bu hikaye Tatler Philippines dergisinin March 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Tatler Philippines dergisinin March 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

TATLER PHILIPPINES DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
SWEET SWISS SOJOURN
Tatler Philippines

SWEET SWISS SOJOURN

There is an undeniable charm that the Alps hold. Even skiing down its slopes has its own adrenalinefuelled appeal. But one can forego the adventure to indulge in what Switzerland has to offer

time-read
4 dak  |
August 2024
CAN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY BE SAVED?
Tatler Philippines

CAN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY BE SAVED?

Rising costs, low audience turnout and lack of originality are issues affecting Philippine cinema today. We ask director and Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairman Jose Javier Reyes what needs to be done to ensure its survival

time-read
6 dak  |
August 2024
NEW NOSTALGIA
Tatler Philippines

NEW NOSTALGIA

Grammy-winning Gen Z singer songwriter Laufey refuses to be put into boxes and talks on the importance of going off the sheet music' in both performance and life

time-read
4 dak  |
August 2024
Perfect HARMONY
Tatler Philippines

Perfect HARMONY

Over the past 40 years, OPM icons Pops Fernandez, Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Gary Valenciano have been captivating audiences with songs about love, life and inspiration. In an interview with Tatler, they shared their journeys and challenges, discussed the current state of the Philippine music industry, and expressed their aspirations for the new generation that is taking OPM to the global stage

time-read
10+ dak  |
August 2024
LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU
Tatler Philippines

LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU

For our inaugural Entertainment and Culture Issue, we spotlight the world of music by featuring 26 exceptional stars among the best and brightest in the country

time-read
2 dak  |
August 2024
Night of Glamour
Tatler Philippines

Night of Glamour

Solidifying its position in the market, the Belo Medical Group has once again showcased why it is one of the top aesthetic practitioners in the country

time-read
1 min  |
August 2024
From Combat to Health
Tatler Philippines

From Combat to Health

Colonel Ariel Querubin's dedication to well-being echoes a mission of empowering individuals to live healthy, protected lives

time-read
2 dak  |
August 2024
More than Meals
Tatler Philippines

More than Meals

Three inspirational women demonstrate how fresh, exceptional food connects and nourishes us across time through luxury brands Sub-Zero and Wolf

time-read
4 dak  |
August 2024
Zig Dulay
Tatler Philippines

Zig Dulay

From thought-provoking dramas to enchanting fantasies, Zig Dulay is reintroducing the Filipino narrative to the world

time-read
3 dak  |
August 2024
My Top Shot
Tatler Philippines

My Top Shot

Photographer Filbert Kung shares the inspiration behind his Chronology of a Mind exhibition in Milan

time-read
2 dak  |
August 2024