Shishigaki Island by Masato Saito is a very strange piece in Hitoyama. It is located along a river next to the forest. It is a small park that you can walk around and enjoy the strange alien-like objects. The whole point of Shishigaki Island is to create a small area to keep the deer and other wild animals away.
Shishigaki Island
Shishigaki Island
The main object in Shishigaki Island is a pyramid. You can’t miss this pyramid as it is made of rocks on the bottom, coloured tiles in the middle, with a small castle on top. The pyramid is not very big so you can’t go inside. It was interesting to look at and I did enjoy the general look but it was out of place.
Shishigaki Island
Shishigaki Island
On the side of the park was an earthen fence. It was made of earth and rocks and designed in a traditional style from Shodoshima. It was a unique looking wall that also combined some artwork. There were some small alcoves designed into the fence that was big enough for small statues. The statues reminded me of aliens or something inspired by Ultraman. It was interesting to see but didn’t have a strong connection to the island itself. I thought it wasn’t bad but definitely not my favourite artwork.
Shishigaki Island
Shishigaki Island
Shishigaki Island is not something you really need to see but if you are visiting Voyage through the Void it is not very far. You can easily walk to Shishigaki Island and it is worth a quick look. Don’t be sad if you cannot see this artwork as I feel photos are generally enough to enjoy it.
Shishigaki Island
Shishigaki Island
Shishigaki Island
Shishigaki Island
Information
- Shishigaki Island (Official Setouchi Triennale Site)
- Masato Saito (Official Blog – Japanese Only)