Moriyuki Yoshida is the founder of the “Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival.” Although he is the producer in charge, he doesn’t forget that he’s also an artist. Here, we would like to post a letter from Yoshida to everyone listening to this guide.

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The Sado Island Gold Mine has been officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as of July 27, 2024. This historic site has played a significant role in not only Japanese history but also in the international community.

Sado Island is steeped in rich history, from being the place of exile for Emperor Juntoku and Zeami to its active role as a hub for Kitamae ships during the Edo and Meiji Periods. The island has been a melting pot of various cultures and has given birth to unique performing arts and traditions such as Noh and Ondeko.

The “Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival 2024” is where artists from Japan and abroad will come together to celebrate the island’s rich nature and history. The festival will feature a diverse range of artworks exhibited across Sado Island, with opportunities for live performances, art appreciation tours, and experiential programs.

I encourage you to explore Sado Island using the audio guide and map provided during the festival. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the island’s art, nature, food, and architecture.

We hope that the Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival 2024 will provide a moment for reflection on the past and inspire hope for the future.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in bringing the Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival 2024 to fruition. Your support and hard work are truly appreciated.
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I invite you to ponder the theme of our festival, “Shōjō Seze,” which delves into the concept of reincarnation and the eternal cycle of life and death. Let’s reflect on how each moment of our existence fits into this perpetual cycle.

What happens after death cannot be experienced by the living. We can observe the birth and death of others, but we can't observe or experience our own. If there is an afterlife, we can only rely on our imagination. I encourage you to contemplate and rediscover how each moment of our existence fits into the eternal cycle.