Percent Map travel guide (2026-09-19): Naoshima Island’s Pumpkin Returns, Brining Joy Back to the Coast

The beloved yellow pumpkin sculpture by Yayoi Kusama has returned to its iconic spot on Naoshima Island. After being damaged and swept away during a typhoon last year, the cheerful artwork now stands proudly once again at the pier where it was first placed in 1994. Local residents and visitors gather to celebrate this resurgence of a familiar symbol. If you’re near Japan’s Seto Inland Sea in September, don’t miss out on the warm greetings brought by Naoshima’s re-installed pumpkin amidst partly cloudy skies and mild temperatures.