April 21. The brisk wind made spring seem like just a name. But although the cold pierced the skin, the wind blew away the haze, leaving a clear view all the way to the green mountains of Japan’s Chugoku region. The sun shone, yachts sped smoothly across the water, and the Seto Inland Sea wove a tapestry of land, people and weather gradating from blue to white. The sky and sea, each mirrored in the other, transformed into myriad sparkles of light, wind and waves.
On Saturday, I attended the opening of the Tokushima LED Art Festival (April 20 to 29), which is being held as a Triennale-related event. The 3-hour opening was wet with rain but there were some interesting works. Using the medium of art, the event weds the new technology of LED with the historical legacy of the river, castle town architecture and local cuisine to create a composition that highlights the area’s rich features.
The next morning I was off at five, reaching Takamatsu in time for the Koebitai’s last morning meeting at seven o’clock. Everyone was psyched for the last day. “No matter how many people come, be calm, as usual! Remember your friendly Koebitai welcome! And no accidents!” Sixty members attended. I shared an article I had found on the first page of the newspaper Tokushima Shimbun. Entitled “Visiting Oshima Seisho-en Sanitorium, The Setouchi Triennale”, the article concluded with the following words:
Before I left the island, I met Kazuo Mori (72), the head of the local community association and a resident originally from Tokushima. “The government of Japan, which segregated us on this island, must take responsibility for the future of this facility and its residents to the very end,” Mori said. “I hope that many people will come to Oshima to learn about the history of Hansen’s disease and this place.” In her poem “The Fountain of My Heart”, Kazuko Toh (83), a poet who lives in the sanatorium, wrote “Oh, though there be a billion people, without connection, they are but strangers, in the fountain of my heart, they leave behind not one withered leaf.” “Connection” begins with knowing, with caring. The Triennale is creating opportunities to do exactly that. Although the Spring Season is over, the Triennale will be held again in the summer and autumn.
There are people out there who respond. There are people who come long distances to offer support. The Triennale’s motivating purpose is slowly spreading. Once again, we will set about hoisting the sails of the Triennale, this festival on the sea, in preparation for summer. Come join us again for the Summer Season. And take your time.
On Saturday, I attended the opening of the Tokushima LED Art Festival (April 20 to 29), which is being held as a Triennale-related event. The 3-hour opening was wet with rain but there were some interesting works. Using the medium of art, the event weds the new technology of LED with the historical legacy of the river, castle town architecture and local cuisine to create a composition that highlights the area’s rich features.
The next morning I was off at five, reaching Takamatsu in time for the Koebitai’s last morning meeting at seven o’clock. Everyone was psyched for the last day. “No matter how many people come, be calm, as usual! Remember your friendly Koebitai welcome! And no accidents!” Sixty members attended. I shared an article I had found on the first page of the newspaper Tokushima Shimbun. Entitled “Visiting Oshima Seisho-en Sanitorium, The Setouchi Triennale”, the article concluded with the following words:
Before I left the island, I met Kazuo Mori (72), the head of the local community association and a resident originally from Tokushima. “The government of Japan, which segregated us on this island, must take responsibility for the future of this facility and its residents to the very end,” Mori said. “I hope that many people will come to Oshima to learn about the history of Hansen’s disease and this place.” In her poem “The Fountain of My Heart”, Kazuko Toh (83), a poet who lives in the sanatorium, wrote “Oh, though there be a billion people, without connection, they are but strangers, in the fountain of my heart, they leave behind not one withered leaf.” “Connection” begins with knowing, with caring. The Triennale is creating opportunities to do exactly that. Although the Spring Season is over, the Triennale will be held again in the summer and autumn.
There are people out there who respond. There are people who come long distances to offer support. The Triennale’s motivating purpose is slowly spreading. Once again, we will set about hoisting the sails of the Triennale, this festival on the sea, in preparation for summer. Come join us again for the Summer Season. And take your time.
