An Affluent Island

Located in between Kagawa Prefecture and Okayama Prefecture in the Seto Inland Sea, this peaceful island has an area of 14.5㎢ and a population of approximately 760 people. Soft tuff and hard andesite referred to as the “Teshima Stone” is the granite that forms the bedrock of this plateau. The locals enjoy delicious water thanks to the rain that falls on the island, which is purified through these rocks and stored at an altitude of 330 meters in Danyama. In the local village of Karato oka, there is a place where fresh spring water has never dried up called “The Spring Water of Karato”.

Before water pipes were introduced, it was rare to be able to grow rice on the Seto Inland islands, however Teshima has enjoyed rice cultivation since the ancient times. Exploring the island of Teshima, you can see plenty of past and current rice fields, and the water reservoirs beside them. With over 300 water reservoirs, you can feel the wisdom of the ancestors who skillfully used Teshima’s natural terrain and environment to their advantage. Moreover, surrounded by the Seto Inland Sea, fishing opportunities were plentiful. It is with these factors that this island became known as “An Affluent Island”.

Rice Terrace

Karato district used to be home to rice terraces along the sea facing slope of Danyama. However, as time went on these rice terraces were not maintained, and had been home to thick vegetation and bamboo.

In 2010, in conjunction with the opening of Teshima Art Museum and Setouchi Triennale, these rice terraces were restored by the locals as well as Fukutate Foundation, a public interest foundation. While complete restoration of its original form was not possible due to damaged waterways and thick vegetation, the rice terraces has been restored where possible.

• Making Rice：Rice is made where water is available and the soil quality is good.
• Making Vegetables：Where rice cultivation may be impossible in some places, some vegetables can grow where the soil quality is good.
• Planting Fruit Trees：Fruit Trees are planted in areas where rice cultivation is not.
• Planting Flowers：Flowers are planted seasonally to prevent the area from reverting to a waste land.

The sprawling rice fields and terraces are a symbol of abundant water, and a scene appreciated by Teshima Art Museum visitors. Moreover, those who work in the rice fields are proud to be surrounded by such natural beauty and of seeing the Seto Inland Sea glitter in the wind as they take a break from their work.

The Island of Rock

Teshima has long been known as “The Island of Rock” due to the tuff rock that can be collected called “Teshima Stone”. While “Teshima Stone” is soft and easy to process, its properties are fire resistant and therefore were often used for lanterns and home kilns. With its utilitarian properties, the “Teshima Stone” was also used in the lanterns of the Katsura Imperial Villa. Unfortunately as the mining industry declined this stone is no longer currently resourced, stones are a very important part of the culture of Teshima.

The Island of Milk, The Island of Welfare

As dairy became an abundant resource the island became known as “The Island of Milk”, as well as “The Island of Welfare” as a welfare facilities were created shortly after the war.

Illegal Dumping of Industrial Waste

Beginning in the 1970s, Illegal Dumping of Industrial Waste became the largest nationwide industrial waste problem, however efforts are continuously being made to process illegal waste and renewing the environment.

Beautiful Nature

The first words out of the mouth of anyone visiting Teshima are “A beautiful island.” Of course it is special to the residents as well, who boast of it as a “beautiful place”. The scenery of the south side of the island is exceptional. From the wide orange and olive fields that seem to draw near to the roads, to the path that faces and opens out towards the sea, beyond the Seto Inland Sea to Gokenzan and even Yashima, all of it can be taken in in one unbroken view.

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