Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Art Business

First Advisor

Noah Kupferman

Second Advisor

Lawrence Motz

Abstract

This paper first proves Naoshima’s status as over-tourism in comparison with Venice and then finds out about logistical and infrastructural constraints. My argument will go further to discuss whether eliminating constraints through investment and development is the right direction for the island’s sustainable prosperity. Naoshima is in critical overtourism situation, especially during the year of Setouchi Triennale. The number of tourists per resident demonstrates that the situation is worse than in Venice. It may deteriorate living environment for residents, potentially causing anti-tourism sentiment on the island. As for tourists, their experience on the island may not be favored because of lack of accommodation, restaurants and transportation, which could lower overall rating of the island. These constraints needed to be addressed quickly to mitigate the overtourism in the short term. Then for the longer term, there is an argument about sustainable tourism on the island. The discussion starts with how many tourists should be ideal, then how to control number of tourists at that level. In addition, how much money tourists spend on the island is one of the most important factors. I conclude the argument with suggestions and lastly address fundamental constraints the island has to face soon.

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