In Takamatsu City in Kagawa Prefecture, there is a new circularity trend in the Aji, Mure and Yashima areas, centered around the region's nature, culture and industry.

This movement was initiated by Aji Circular Park, a lifestyle store established in 2022, focusing on circulation in clothing and lifestyle products.

Around the same time, the Aoishima gallery opened, exhibiting items for daily use made from Aji stone.

Yashimāru, a building designed in a corridor style with stunning views of the numerous islands in the Seto Inland Sea, was unveiled on the summit of Yashima Mountain.
These three establishments are linked by their circular approach, creating a new trend in tourism.

Circularity usually refers to manufacturing that recycles and efficiently manages resources rather than disposing of them. However, in this region, the goal of circularity extends beyond waste reduction, highlighting the diverse untapped value present in everyday resources by changing people's perspective.
The movement focuses on capitalizing on the local resources that are treasures that residents do not recognize to create a beneficial cycle.

What caused the circularity movement to develop in the Aji, Mure and Yashima areas?

What led to the development of the circularity movement in these areas?

To explain this, we talked with Takashi Naka from Aji Circular Park, Chikara Ninomiya from Aoishima, and Akiko Chujo from Yashimāru.

Geological resources, historical periods, and the idea of an art village. The narratives of the land shaped by different eras.

According to Ms. Chujo, the Aji, Mure, and Yashima areas have stories that have been crafted by the land since ancient times.

Aji stone, a high-quality stone material, is a prime example of this. It was formed by volcanic eruptions around 80 million years ago and has played a crucial role in the stone industry in Aji and Mure.

Another example is the Genpei War which had a significant influence on Japan's history. Yashima is the location of one of the battles of the Genpei War which took place at the end of the Heian period. At that time, Yashima was an island surrounded by the sea, but now it is connected to the mainland. The Heike clan selected this location as their stronghold for its inlet, which was ideal for hiding their fleet.

Moreover, because of its breathtaking view of the numerous islands, Yashima became Japan's first national park, the Seto Inland Sea National Park, in 1934.

Masanori Kaneko, governor of Kagawa Prefecture from 1950 to 1974, had a vision of creating an art village in Kagawa, incorporating an artistic approach into post-war reconstruction.

At Kaneko invitation, sculptors Isamu Noguchi and Masayuki Nagare established studios in the region. Their decision to establish the studios was partially due to the skilled stonemasons who had moved from Izumi, Osaka, to Aji and Mure during the construction of Yashima Shrine in 1814.
By engaging with these world-class masters, the local stonemasons enhanced their artistry and skills. This led to the creation of the Setouchi Triennale.

"There is a growing awareness today's society driven by mass production and disposal lacks something crucial," points out Naka.

"People visit Aoishima because they are captivated by the stories of this region. So, it is essential that we narrate the history of the land which was admired by Isamu Noguchi and Masayuki Nagare," emphasizes Ninomiya.

Experience the circularity of Aji, Mure and Yashima, whose stories are connected beyond time and space.

▼How did the Setonaikai National Park come to be? The Stunning Views Discovered by Kanau Konishi
https://www.art-takamatsu.com/jp/travel/sightseeing/entry-958.html

Introducing destinations in Aji, Mure and Yashima

AJI CIRCULAR PARK

At Aji Circular Park, visitors can find eco-friendly products, items produced in the Seto Inland Sea region, goods created from natural resources, and other items chosen from a circularity perspective. Even scrap pieces of Aji stone are transformed into artistic creations, acquiring new value, and are sold in the store. Aji Circular Park collaborated with Yashimāru to create the Yashimāru bag souvenir.

▼Tour a local industrial factory in Takamatsu, Kagawa. A tourist spot for adult learning
【Sustainable clothing manufacturing】Naka Shoji & Co.・AJI CIRCULAR PARK
https://www.art-takamatsu.com/jp/travel/sightseeing/entry-938.html#chapter-4

Aoishima Inc.

The gallery exhibiting Aji stone products was founded primarily by stonemasons aiming to highlight the appeals of their production area. The joint efforts of creative directors from Japan and other parts of the world resulted in READY MADE, a collection of products that breathed new life into stone scraps, capturing the attention of many.

▼Tour a local industrial factory in Takamatsu, Kagawa. A tourist spot for adult learning
【Aji-stone】Aoishima Inc. and Ninomiya Sekizai Factory
https://www.art-takamatsu.com/jp/travel/sightseeing/entry-938.html#chapter-3

Yashimāru

Offering a breathtaking view of the Seto Inland Sea, this place is a key facility highlighting the natural, historical and cultural wonders of Yashima, featuring a roof adorned with around 30,000 Aji stone tiles.

▼Close in on the attractions of Yashimāru, a new symbol of Yashima!
https://www.art-takamatsu.com/jp/travel/sightseeing/entry-850.html

Art

The Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum Japan

The studio and residence of the late Isamu Noguchi, a 20th century sculptor, was converted into a museum to fulfill his wishes. The entire space including more than 150 of his sculptures, the Isamu residence and the sculpture garden form one big environment sculpture.

Masayuki Nagare Museum

The residence and studio of the late Masayuki Nagare in his final years.Of the 380 pieces in the museum's collection, 130 are always on display.The fortress-like brick structure is a part of the museum's art collection.

▼Nagare Studio (Masayuki Nagare Museum), Takamatsu, Kagawa: 130 Works by Sculptor Masayuki Nagare on Permanent Display
https://www.art-takamatsu.com/jp/travel/sightseeing/entry-930.html

George Nakashima Memorial Gallery (Sakura Seisakusho Co., Ltd.)

Sculptor Masayuki Nagare introduced Sakura Seisakusho to George Nakashima, who then had Sakura Seisakusho handle the production of his furniture. The George Nakashima Memorial Gallery has about 60 exhibits, such as chairs made in his early years as an architect and the sample that was sent from the U.S. studio when Sakura Seisakusho started manufacturing his products.

▼Consider the wood and make George Nakashima-branded furniture.
https://www.art-takamatsu.com/jp/travel/sightseeing/entry-421.html

Dental ART Museum

Visitors to this museum will explore the world of teeth and art, getting a first-hand look at real dentures and prosthetic teeth, as well as the process of making them. The exhibit's main attraction is a case holding around 5,000 dentures, promoting visitors to understand the significance of teeth. A sculpture made of Aji stone by Satoru Takaishi welcomes visitors at the entrance with its wide open mouths.

Stone Culture Park Museum

The museum is in an area known for its Aji ishi quarries, Aji ishi is a high quality granite, and the museum shares stonemasonry techniques and information about a stone culture dating back to ancient times. Works of art made of stone are scattered around the park in front of the museum.

Aji Ryuozan Park

Aji Ryuozan Park is a park on the top of Mt. Ryuo in the Aji peninsula. In the park, visitors can experience the landscape of the Seto Inland Sea.
As indicated by the park's concept, ""The park for playing with art,"" the park includes stone sculptures that are in harmony with the natural background.

Food

by age 18

A restaurant specializing in gluten-free udon noodles made from plant-based ingredients. They developed udon noodles for people with dietary restrictions such as vegans and people with specific religious beliefs or allergies. Notable figures such as Katsumi Kusumoto, the chef at Saido, and Hironobu Tujiguchi, the pastry chef at Mont St. Clair participated in the project. Taste revolutionary udon noodles that go against traditional Sanuki udon beliefs.

DUCE

The Yashima Tennis Club has a cafe connected to it with a view of the lush trees outside its windows that adds to the cozy ambiance. Its counter made of Aji stone stands out for its uniqueness. Popular menu options include the homemade roast pork cooked with vegetables and herbs and the baked cheesecake which has a rich aroma. The art and design books displayed along the wall are also worth mentioning.

Udon Honjin Yamadaya Sanuki Main Branch

Kagawa-born designer Kunibo Wada (1899-1992) created this shop from planning the interior design to the selection of menu items. The shop uses a merchant's house that used to be a sake brewery.
Enjoy the work of Kunibo Wada alongside the Udon.

Shop

MAROC

The store offers boucherouite rugs made from scraps of clothing by Berber women in Morocco. Scenes from the women's daily lives are intricately incorporated into the colorful patterns. Captivated by these creations, the owner stayed in a Berber village for a month to study the weaving techniques. The store is in a remodeled more than 100-year-old Japanese style house.

The Muresuzume guesthouse is connected to the main building. Within the space, there is a nostalgic vibe created by the fusion of Japanese architectural style and the interior design aesthetics of many different cultures. Located near the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum Japan, visitors have the opportunity to explore the same places where Noguchi himself walked.

dodo

The store specializes in vintage furniture and a variety of products obtained mainly from the UK and other countries. Each piece of furniture is unique, carrying a charming worn texture that comes from years of gentle handling by one person and then another, who have treated it with care, providing a delightful way to link people and their stories.

Accommodations/campgrounds

Umi to Taico Setouchi Taiko-no-hana village

A seaside campground overlooking the stunning Seto Inland Sea and expansive white beaches.
The morning sun rises over the Seto Inland Sea, the islands are bathed in the glow of the evening sun, the moon road emerges during full moon nights, and the soothing sounds of birds chirping and waves lapping fill the air.
Furnished bungalows and drive-in campsites are available, along with a café that is open to the public. A variety of activities and workshops are held occasionally.
A variety of activities and workshops are held occasionally.

SETO CLAS

SETO CLAS operates a lodging service offering the rental of entire properties in Aji which boast refined views of the Seto Inland Sea.Four rental properties are currently available: SETO CLAS AJI, Seaside Villa SASAO, Seaside Villa KAMANO, and GARDENIA. Each place offers unique amenities like an outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the sea, a swimming pool, a wooden deck, a wood-burning stove and a swing.Indulge in a remarkable time in a private location.

Ajiura Base Campground

With a background in the wedding sector in Hawaii, the owner opened this campground to share the enchanting Seto Inland Sea with the rest of the world. They support a variety of ways to have fun while camping, including fishing, barbequing and stargazing. Why not capture a special moment in an Instagram-worthy spot, like a professional wedding photoshoot?

Research Institutes

Aji Marine Station, Seto Inland Sea Regional Research Center, Kagawa University／Research Institute for the Future of Art Setouchi

The Aji Marine Station is a key facility for studying the water quality and ecosystem of the Seto Inland Sea, along with its fishing environment, including the seaweed beds and tidal flats that support marine life. Apart from conducting research, the station provides opportunities for kids to explore the marine environment through interactive trips and observation activities on research boats.
Completed in late July 2024, the Research Institute for the Future of Art Setouchi is a facility that aims to innovate by combining art, science and technology with a focus on spiritual enrichment. It also aims to find large-scale solutions to local community problems.

Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage

Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage 85th Sacred Spot, Yakuriji Temple

A temple constructed by Kobo Daishi in 829 on the side of Mt. Goken. O-shoden-sama, a deity of success in business and good matchmaking is enshrined in the temple. Visitors can take the nostalgic funicular to the temple. A rock wall resembling Aji stone is visible behind the main hall.

Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage 84th Sacred Spot, Yashimaji Temple

Minoyama Daimyojin, which is also known as Tasaburo Tanuki, the boss of Shikoku's racoon dogs, is the enshrined deity blessing people with children, matchmaking and bringing good fortunes to couples and families. The temple's principle image and Genpei Seisui Emakimono (Picture scrolls containing rise and fall of the Minamoto and Taira clans) are stored and exhibited in the adjoining Homotsukan hall.