A contemporary art show featuring works of more than 200 artists from 23 countries and regions opened Wednesday on a cluster of 12 small islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
Setouchi Triennale 2013, the second of an event that happens every three years, is aimed at revitalizing the locality where the population has been decreasing.
"We want visitors to enjoy artworks at a leisurely pace while appreciating the charm of different seasons," Kagawa Gov. Keizo Hamada said at an opening ceremony held in Takamatsu port. The 12 islets — five more than the previous event — belong to either Kagawa or Okayama prefectures.
The 108-day event is held during three separate periods through early November with the spring run scheduled through April 21. The inaugural event in 2010 drew about 940,000 visitors.
Indoor and outdoor exhibitions display works inspired by the landscape and culture of the islands — Naoshima, Teshima, Megijima, Ogijima, Shodoshima, Oshima, Inujima, Shamijima, Honjima, Takamijima, Awashima and Ibukijima.
Major attractions include Ando Museum, an old house remodeled by architect Tadao Ando that just opened this month. Another is a large object jointly created by celebrity figure Takeshi Kitano and contemporary artist Kenji Yanobe, as well as an outdoor play starring actress Kaho Minami.
The event is organized by Kagawa Prefecture, participating municipalities and other parties.