Off the coast of Yokosuka is the small island of Sarushima, which is the only natural island in Tokyo Bay. Though the island is now uninhabited, it still contains a number of abandoned gun batteries, bunker tunnels and barracks from the pre-war period. From November 12 to December 25, however, the island and its forgotten forts will be transformed into an after-dark exhibition space for the second edition of Sense Island – an experimental visual art and photography festival that was initially launched in 2019.
With its caves that trace back to the Yayoi period (300 BC-250 AD) and the Western-style battery built during the Meiji period (1868-1912), Sarushima creates an ideal environment for reflection and creative investigation without the everyday distractions of the modern world. There will be 20 installations scattered throughout the island by both Japanese and international artists including Beijing-born photographer Wang Xiaohan, Rhizomatiks founder Seiichi Saito and Shanghai-born curator Jin Qiuyu.
General admission is priced at ¥3,700 per person and includes a round-trip ferry ride from Mikasa Pier. Upon arrival, you’ll be asked to seal your phone in an envelope and handed a flashlight to explore the island with. You’ll be able to use your phone again after you finish viewing the installations and return your flashlight at the welcome desk.
You can learn more about the project and see the full programme of participating artists here.