Onomichi Channel Project
Urban design projects directed by Yanagi in Onomichi and the Bingo area.
Project background
Since its development as a port town during the medieval period, Onomichi has been recognized for its picturesque landscapes nestled between the Onomichi channel and the mountains, featuring temples, shrines, houses, and the refined tea-ceremony architecture of wealthy merchants, which has been designated as a Japan Heritage site. However, the recent prevalence of many vacant houses turning into ruins is conspicuous. This trend is particularly pronounced on the islands of Momoshima, accessible only by ferry from the Port Terminal in front of Onomichi Station.
This project aims to contribute artistically to the revitalization of Onomichi’s tea-ceremony architecture and the development of areas around the Onomichi channel extending all the way to Momoshima.
Ongoing Projects
Onomichi Tea Garden House
Saen in Onomichi uniquely refers to an environment that includes buildings and gardens originating from the Edo period merchant’s villa created to entertain guests with tea.
Onomichi Tea Garden House
Saen in Onomichi uniquely refers to an environment that includes buildings and gardens originating from the Edo period merchant’s villa created to entertain guests with tea.
Art Direction on Remote Islands
Kosagi Island “Bio-Isle” Project
The art direction for the island of Kosagi in Mihara, a neighboring town west of Onomichi.
Kosagi Island “Bio-Isle” Project
The art direction for the island of Kosagi in Mihara, a neighboring town west of Onomichi.
Art Direction around Onomichi Port
Prefectural Warehouse No.3
March 2015
A creative reuse of the historically valuable Prefectural Warehouse No.3, built in 1943, as an alternative art gallery, aiming to encourage vibrancy along the Onomichi channel and establish an art tourism network based around the Onomichi Port Terminal. This concept aimed to make use of the dynamic space of the port warehouse and create a unique facility, serving as a hub for cultural and artistic activities.
Art direction: Yukinori Yanagi
Banner design: Hiroshi Omizo of Glanz
Space design: Toru Kashihara
Onomichi Pallet Chair
March 2014
Project to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Soroptimist International Onomichi.
Installed along the Onomichi channel near the Prefectural Warehouse No. 2 known as “U2,” are chairs made from cargo pallets. The combination of two colors symbolizes the two faces of Onomichi – red representing the historic area east from the station with blue representing the modern area on the west poised for future development.
Art direction: ART BASE MOMOSHIMA
Design: Tetsushin Senzaki of Tetsushin Design
Information Desk
"Hatashomaru"
November 2012
The pallet table installed at the Onomichi Port Terminal, the gateway to the Setouchi islands, was commissioned by the city of Onomichi following a donation from the family of Mr. Masamori Hatate, who passed away in the typhoon of 2011. Mr. Hatate had been instrumental in transporting emergency patients to and from Momoshima using his boat “Hatashomaru.” The design of the table represents the Seto Inland Sea, symbolizing the life of Mr. Hatate.
Art direction: ART BASE MOMOSHIMA
Design: Tetsushin Senzaki of Tetsushin Design
Ferry and Heliport Design
Ferry Momokaze
March 2015
Art direction for the ferry “Momokaze” that connects Onomichi, Momoshima, and Tsuneishi port. With the intention of bringing “a new wind to Momoshima,” the ferry was named “Momo Kaze(wind)” by the students of Momoshima Junior High School.
Art direction: ART BASE MOMOSHIMA
Design: Hiroshi Omizo of Glanz
Heliport in Momoshima
December 2015
Ferry Komataki and Heliport in Hosojima
April 2016
Design of the ferry and heliport for the ferry route from Hosojima to Nishihama (Innoshima). The vibrant color scheme of the ferry and heliport is inspired by light, sea, islands, and citrus fruits.
Public Restroom Design
Public Restroom in Tosaki
September 2017
A wall resembling rammed earth was built in the schoolyard of the abandoned elementary school, and behind it, two restrooms.
Through its windows, one can see the sea and a lemon tree planted in the courtyard.
Director/Artist: Yukinori Yanagi
Architect: Toru Kashihara
Public Restroom
in Momoshima
March 2018
Restrooms at Fukuda Port which serves as the gateway of Momoshima.
The design represents the layers and undulations of sandy beaches and tidal flats that appear during low tide, influenced by the large tidal range of the Seto Inland Sea.
Director/Artist: Yukinori Yanagi
Architect: Toru Kashihara
About Onomichi Channel
The Onomichi channel is about 300 meters wide, sandwiched between the port town of Onomichi and Mukaijima on the opposite shore. It has been highly valued as a transportation route and developed as a “river of the sea” where people and goods gathered during the middle ages. On the slopes of the mountains on the Onomichi side, temples, shrines, and houses donated and built by wealthy merchants stand side by side, with narrow streets and steep slopes connecting the crowded houses, creating a unique landscape. The sounds of temple bells echoing from these sloped areas, along with the sounds of ferries connecting to Mukaijima and activities at shipyards, create a miniature urban space. This distinctive urban space has been recognized as a Japan Heritage site since 2015.
Access
ART BASE MOMOSHIMA
1440 Momoshima, Onomichi, Hiroshima, Japan
Zip:7220061
Tel:+81+848-73-5105