Although less known to foreign visitors, these annual art and music events allow visitors to discover the charms of local communities and reflect unique aspects of Japan’s history and culture.
Geographically distributed throughout the country, cultural festivals gather a large number of visitors during the days of celebration. Most take place in large open-air spaces, rather than traditional museums, so those who come to see the art can also explore the lesser-known regions of Japan. In addition to appreciating works by Japanese artists, the exhibitions host creations by talented foreign artists. Here is a selection of some of the country’s most notable art festivals awaiting future visitors to Japan.
The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial
Since 2000, the Echigo-Tsumari region in Niigata Prefecture has held a Triennale that includes art exhibitions, concerts, and theater performances. This edition, which begins on July 30 and ends on September 4, incorporates some 200 works created by local resident artists, including large volume sculptures characterized by their own character and the place where they are located (closed schools or abandoned houses, for example). The exhibits incorporate innovative mist sculptures and even a comical performance that blends local historical fiction with classic Italian tragedies using a sake brewery as a setting.
The Reborn-Art Festival of Ishinomaki
More than 20 artists from Japan and other countries participate in the Reborn-Art Festival held every two years in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, an area that was severely affected by the 2011 earthquake. The festival, which is held Between August 20 and October 2, its motto is “Recovery and regeneration through art”, and its events take on a tone that combines the respectful with the joyful. Thus, the festival is a reflection of the resilience and pride of the locals, who demonstrate live the regeneration of their community. Festive events include a wide gastronomic offer made with local, seasonal ingredients that highlight the importance of fishing and agriculture in the area.
The Seto Inland Sea, which separates Japan’s main islands Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku, has nearly 700 islands. The culture of these islands took shape influenced by the interaction with the crews of the ships that sailed these waters throughout the centuries.. Thus, the Setouchi Triennale seeks to highlight the diversity of these island communities and their individual charm. The approach that the organizers propose for this Triennial is in line with the UN Social Development Goals, so many of the works on display are created with wood, garbage and plastic waste from the ocean.
In some of these wonderful islands, like the ogjima (with 160 inhabitants) or the tiny Inujima (with an area of barely half a square kilometer), tourist activities are being promoted and others are seeking to attract new residents in accordance with the quiet and relaxed lifestyle of these areas of Japan with the aim of implanting their knowledge in these lands .
The UBE Biennaleheld from July 15 to August 28 in the city of Ube, within Yamaguchi prefecture, or the aichi triennalean urban art festival under the theme ‘Still Alive’ that takes place between July 30 and October 10 in the city of Nagoya (Aichi prefecture), are some more examples of the infinity of artistic acts that are celebrated throughout Japan, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the country’s culture and help local communities prosper.
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Learn about the history and culture of Japan at its art festivals