How would you feel seeing a giant art installation deep down the sea? Sounds amazing, right? Just imagine the sea surface as a living gallery with a large-scale sculpture. Not only would this be a treat for your eyes, but also be calming for your mind.
After countries like Grenada or Mexico, Japan has reached the landmark– installing a giant-sized sculpture under the sea in an island named Tokunoshima.
On October 14, 2025, Japan placed a sculpture named “Ocean Gaia” off the coast of Tokunoshima, featuring a serene, large-scale portrait of the renowned Japanese model Kiko Mizuhara. This is the first attempt by Japan to place an underwater sculpture.
The Sculpture “Ocean Gaia” is a figure of a mother resting her body in a pufferfish sand circle, holding her baby in her womb. As Tokunoshima is a place of high birthrate and healthy lifestyle, this art piece creates a harmony between people, the sea and marine lifestyle.
Jason deCaires Taylor, a British sculptor and diver, designed and made the artwork, encouraging marine life to inhabit and promoting new habitats and biodiversity. This 45-tonne sculpture lies approximately 5 metres beneath the sea surface.
Exploring underwater sculpture life, Ocean Gaia requires diving or snorkelling and makes the act of viewing a deeply personal and physical experience. And the most interesting part is that it changes its appearance over time. Marine growth, light interference constantly alter the appearance of the sculpture. If you see a clean texture and dark edges on your first visit, you’ll see a whole different scenario on the second one.
Ocean Gaia has exceeded Japan’s traditional artistic boundaries. This will grow, decay and live in collaboration with the sea and ocean lives. This stands powerfully as a fusion of art, environment and place. Moreover, this reminds us that the sea is not just the backdrop of life; it lives.
