AKIYA AIR IWAMI Is Underway! Hsiao-Hsuan Jian and Asuka Takagi Arrive in Yunotsu
In early October, two of this year’s selected residents, Hsiao-Hsuan Jian and Asuka Takagi, arrived in Yunotsu, Shimane Prefecture, to begin their three-month AKIYA AIR IWAMI residencies.
During their first week, they explored the town and its surrounding landscape, met local craftspeople, and began discovering the region’s cultural heritage and everyday life.
Encounters with Craft and Community
During Hsiao-Hsuan’s first week, she visited seven craft workshops and artists’ studios, gaining insights into traditional techniques and the challenges of passing craft traditions on to future generations.
“Behind every beautiful object lies an extraordinary dedication to materials, techniques, and generations of knowledge.” — Hsiao-Hsuan Jian, AKIYA AIR IWAMI Resident
Photographs and vedio above courtesy of Hsiao-Hsuan Jian.
More about Hsiao-Hsuan’s observations and reflections in her Journal on 24 SETSU.
Inspirations Taking Shape
For Asuka, the higanbana （彼岸花）, or red spider lily, has become an early source of inspiration. Fascinated by its beauty and symbolism, she hopes to develop a sculptural work in collaboration with Koharu, exploring themes of love, separation, death, and renewal.
“Through some research, I discovered its rich symbolism, often associated with death, the afterlife, and the passage towards reincarnation. I was also intrigued by the legend of its flowers and leaves never appearing at the same time, a story of love and separation.” — Asuka Takagi, AKIYA AIR IWAMI Resident
Photographs and video courtesy of Asuka Takagi.
More Stories from Gotsu Coming Soon
Juliette Huygen, another artist selected for AKIYA AIR IWAMI 2026, is also arriving in Japan to begin her residency in Gotsu. Stay tuned for updates on her encounters and discoveries!