Based on the island of Kouzushima where the gods of the Izu Islands are said to have gathered, art project HAPPY TURN/Kouzushima aims to engage with people who have diverse connections to the island for mutual learning about the lives, ideas, and ways of thinking of each person. As part of the Artist Program in Kouzushima, in the spring of 2022 artist group Olta was invited to the island and has continued to create works through research into Kouzushima’s history and cultural landscape. “Hyohaku to Henreki” comprises an exhibition and performance showcasing the results of the program, and will be located in “Choube-e,” a vacant house on the island. In this exhibition, inspired by a story about a local belief revering flotsam that washes up on the island as gods, the artists ponder not only the history of Kouzushima, which still boasts unique customs, but also its relationship with other countries across the ocean.
The works, created through a series of interviews with islanders, literature research and by flotsam actually collected from the island, should provide an opportunity to consider the island’s rich natural surroundings, its myths, and relationships between people in terms of connections to island life up to the present day.

Program

Date/time
Monday, February 13 – Sunday, February 19, 2023

*The event will close at 15:00 on February 14 and 15 due to Nijugonichi-sama, a Kouzushima custom of ritual abstention.

Vemue
Choube-e (818 Kouzushima-mura, Tokyo)
*No parking available

Capacity for performances
15 people per performance (priority given to those with reservations)

Participation fee
Free

*No reservation is needed to view the exhibition. Visitors are welcome any time during opening hours.
*Due to preparations for performances on February 17,18 and 19, you will not be able to view the exhibition from 30 minutes prior to a performance.
*Doors open 10 minutes before the start of performances.
*You may go outside the venue during performances.

How to apply

Please apply via either:
［Email］info@shimaclass.tokyo
［Visiting Kuruto］Coming in person to Kuruto and booking in advance (Thursdays/Fridays/Saturdays 10:00 – 16:00)
*If you are applying by e-mail to view the performance, please use the subject line “Hyohaku to Henreki Application” and include your preferred date, name, and the number of people.

*Please see the official Instagram for Kuruto’s opening times.
*Please note the event will be recorded on the day for project operations and publicity purposes.
*This event will be run with measures in place to prevent the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
*Personal information will be handled as strictly confidential and used only for the operation of this event and to send you information from the organizer.
*Program is subject to change.

How to get to Kouzushima

Around 12 hours by large overnight passenger ferry from Tokyo Takeshiba Pier
Around 45 minutes by small plane from Chofu Airport, Tokyo

*Kouzushima cannot be visited on a day trip, so please be sure to reserve accommodation.
*Please contact the Kouzushima Tourism Association for accommodation inquiries.
*Times may vary depending on the season, and flights may be canceled due to weather conditions. Please make sure you check each company’s website before departure.
*Please note that there will be no compensation for expenses due to cancellations.

Artist

Olta
https://olta.jp/

Contact

Shimaclass Kouzushima (General Incorporated Association)
E-mail: info@shimaclass.tokyo

Official Website

Period

Monday, February 13 - Sunday, February 19, 2023

Venues

Choube-e (818 Kouzushima-mura, Tokyo)

Credit

Organized by: Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Arts Council Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture), Shimaclass Kouzushima (General Incorporated Association)