Our story begins with an unexpected encounter. A foreign artist named Ethan Estes was once seen picking up trash on the beach. This sparked a conversation that eventually led him to participate in the Sado art festival. Estes, who worked as a researcher at a local aquarium, created his debut sculpture using fishing nets and ropes collected from the fishing community.

This piece, shaped like a whale's tail, reflects Sado's long history with marine debris and its connection to whales—a symbol that resonates deeply with the island's community.

In recent news, a whale washed ashore, reminding residents of their enduring relationship with these majestic creatures. Historical records note past incidents, including a collision with a jetfoil, and memorial services held during the Edo period. The memory of whales is a part of Sado’s cultural fabric.