As I travel daily to the islands to work on production or manage the sites, I get a good sense of the gradual changes in the season – subtle differences in temperature and light, the swelling of buds on flowers and trees. Even on the sea, which not long ago was whipped by a chill wind, I can feel spring in the air. Nature is coming alive on the islands, and colorful flowers wave in greeting. Of course, it wouldn’t be spring without sakura, Japan’s ubiquitous cherry trees. Just a few days ago they were blossoming in profusion on all the islands.

One of the main differences between this year’s Triennale and that of 2010 is the fact that it is divided into three seasons: Spring, Summer and Autumn. We chose to do this specifically so that people could enjoy the Seto Inland Sea in different seasons, and experience how seasonal changes alter the appearance and feel of the artworks. I hope you will be able to come for all three.
The photo, by the way, is of cherry blossoms on Ibukijima, an island that will be opened for the Triennale’s Summer Season. I wonder what this scene will look like then.