Inujima Island: Art, History, and Nature

Exploring Inujima Island

Located just 10 minutes by ferry from Hoden Port in Okayama Prefecture, Inujima is a small island with a rich history. Once bustling with copper smelting and quarrying industries, the island now has only 47 residents as of 2015, highlighting challenges like depopulation and aging.

Granite Legacy and Historical Importance

Renowned for its granite, known as Inujima Mikage, the island’s stones have been used in iconic sites like Edo Castle, Osaka Castle, and Okayama Castle. The remnants of its industrial past, dating back to the Meiji and Taisho eras, still echo across Inujima’s landscape.

Inujima’s Artistic Transformation

In 2008, the Inujima Seirensho Art Museum opened, revitalizing the island’s former copper refinery. The museum, designed by Hiroshi Sambuichi, uses eco-friendly architecture and showcases art by Yukinori Yanagi inspired by Yukio Mishima’s critiques of modernization. In 2010, the Inujima Art House Project began, further enriching the island’s artistic offerings.

Key Art Facilities

• Inujima Seirensho Art Museum
• Inujima “Art House Project”
• Inujima Life Garden
• INUJIMA Art Rendezvous

Inujima Seirensho Art Museum Details

The museum emphasizes sustainability, using natural forces for its operations and incorporating water purification technology. Its exhibits reflect themes of transformation and environmental consciousness.

Visitor Information:

• Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Last entry: 4:00 p.m.)
• Admission: JPY 2,100 (free for children under 15)
• Closure: Closed Tuesdays to Thursdays from March to November, and entirely closed from December to February.

Summary

Inujima Island stands as a unique destination blending natural beauty, historical significance, and artistic innovation. From its granite legacy to its art installations, it’s a testament to the harmony between preservation and modern creativity.