Teshima

Teshima (豊島) is an island in the Seto Inland Sea, part of Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. It lies between the islands of Honshu and Shikoku and forms part of the Benesse Art Site Naoshima, a collection of contemporary art installations across several islands in the area.

The island is administered within Kagawa Prefecture and has a small year-round population. Traditionally, residents engaged in fishing and farming, but the community has faced depopulation as younger generations moved to urban areas. In recent decades, Teshima has become known for its cultural revival driven by art and tourism.

History and cultural significance: Teshima gained international attention as part of the Benesse Art Site Naoshima project, initiated by the Benesse Corporation in the 1990s. The island hosts the Teshima Art Museum, designed by architect Ryue Nishizawa with art by Rei Naito, which opened in 2010. The museum’s design emphasizes the experiential relationship between space, time, water, and light, presenting a contemplative environment rather than traditional exhibits.

Other art projects and landscape: In addition to the museum, Teshima presents site-specific installations and heritage spaces curated as part of the broader Benesse Art Site. The combination of contemporary art, rural island life, and natural scenery is a defining aspect of its contemporary identity.

Access: The island is accessible by ferry from Naoshima, which serves as a principal hub for visitors exploring the Benesse Art Site network.