Art by Kazumasa Hashimoto in the Ogijima Library

It feels a bit strange to talk about Kazumasa Hashimoto in the same way that I talk about other artists in the newsletter/blog, because I know him personally. But that's also the reason why this post is a few years late, and it's time to put that right.

Years ago, Kazumasa Hashimoto was a student of Yoshifumi Oshima, the founder of Onba Factory on Ogijima. In 2013, when Oshima created Team OGI for the Setouchi Triennale, he recruited people who could help with the new project. Among them was his former student. Hashimoto "temporarily" moved to Ogijima for the project. However, once the Triennale ended, he was unsure what to do with his life, and he decided to stay on the island a little longer. Meeting and falling in love with one of the Koebi-tai volunteers most likely played a part, too. This was around the time that Ogijima's revitalization was gaining momentum, and several people started to move to the island.

And... He's still there, with the former volunteer who is now his wife (their wedding was the first to take place on the island in more than 20 years), and their kids. He's now the island's "official" illustrator and graphic designer, among other things.

A little while ago, he had a fun exhibit at the Ogijima Library, another awesome project born on Ogijima. This exhibit was in 2022, but the library regularly has small art exhibits from local artists. It's one more reason to visit when you go to Ogijima.

Here are a few pictures from the exhibit:

If I remember correctly, it was a poster he made for a "computer programming event." Several computer people live on the island, and they sometimes organize mini-conferences. And not just "mini," back in 2018, they organized a full WordCamp there.

I can't remember what the drawing at the top was for. It says "Ogijima Life Research Institute."

The Old Man and the Sea was a temporary café located outside the library during the Setouchi Triennales 2016 and 2019. It helped two family businesses get started after the moved to the island. They are now Damonte & Co. and the Lemon Tree Hotel.

In 2021, when the new community center was being built, Hashimoto painted a large mural representing different elements of Ogijima's culture and history on the temporary wall around the construction site. This is a miniature version of the mural.

Below are some preparatory drawings of the mural.

A short video of various sketches folded into a tiny but cute "installation:"

A logo for sea bream bento boxes that were sold by Damonte & Co for an event (I forgot which one)

In 2021, when the new ferry to the island (called Meon) was under construction, Hashimoto imagined a design for it (mostly for fun)

And if you're wondering what the actual ferry looks like, here it is:

Meon 2, piloted by a giant octopus, because why not? The octopus is more or less the island's unofficial mascot.

Yes, Meon 2 is much older than Meon. It's because "Meon" is actually "Meon 3." The original Meon was retired when the new one was delivered.

More design for various things on the island.

I hope you liked this post that's a little different from the usual "Japan Art Islands" posts. Personally, this is why I love the Setouchi Islands: even if it's the world-famous art that attracts the visitors, it's people like Kazumasa Hashimoto who help the islands remain living, lively communities.

If you want to see more of Kazumasa Hashimoto's art, he posts most of his designs for Ogijima (and a little more) on Instagram.

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