Japan’s cultural treasure troves are scattered across the archipelago. These are regional art festivals, often tucked away in the mountains or found on the streets of rural villages. The festivals offer amazing viewing experiences while connecting viewers with the culture, nature, lifestyles and ambience unique to each region. Held far off the beaten track, regional art festivals provide an opportunity to discover your very own, personal Japan.
Go for Kogei: Going for free expression
Since its launch in 2020, Go for Kogei has drawn artists, creators, designers and craftspeople to Japan’s northern coastline along the Sea of Japan. The aim is to explore free forms of expression within the context of kogei, or Japanese artisanal and handcrafted art products.
Set against the beautiful cityscapes of Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures, Go for Kogei infuses the heritage of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary ideas and practices.
Participants will witness works from some of the most exciting frontrunners of Japan’s Kogei art scene. Ikuya Sagara’s Kayabuki (Thatched roof) work provides an excellent entryway to understanding the thatching culture, while Shuji Nakagawa’s handcrafted wood products speak of the deep relationship between the Japanese and the wooden containers in every stage of their lives. Visitors can also check out the works of Tomoko Taka, a native of Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, and self-taught embroidery artist who launched a supportive and collaborative project for the children of the Noto Peninsula after the 2024 earthquake. Her project embodies the spirit of kogei by demonstrating the restorative powers of handwork.
Schedule: Sept. 13 (Sat.) to Oct. 19 (Sun.) [closed Wednesdays]
Hours: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (last admission 4 p.m.)
Venues: Iwase area (Toyama), Higashiyama area (Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture)
Information: https://goforkogei.com/en/
Tokyo Biennale: Wandering deep into the wonders of Tokyo
The Tokyo Biennale is now in its third edition. The theme this year is “Wander for Wonder,” which serves as an invitation to walk, wander and discover new perspectives by moving through this amazing city.
This year, 39 artists, units and groups will participate, as the Tokyo Biennale takes the festival beyond the buildings and confines of exhibition venues to explore the city itself. Tokyo’s extraordinary and multilayered history may begin to reveal itself as participants stroll through the sights and streets.
This year, the Tokyo Biennale launched the “Social Dive” open call program, which called for projects from around the world that explore and delve into the theme of sanpo (walking). Five projects were chosen from the 1,004 that answered the call.
Attendees are invited to also check out the Tokyo Perspective photography project. Besides the photo exhibition compiled by artists who wandered through the city, copies of their work will be available for purchase at 7-Eleven stores nationwide.
Schedule: Oct. 17 (Fri.) to Dec. 14 (Sun.)
Main venues: Etoile Kaito Living Building, Toeizan Kan’ei-ji temple
Exhibition areas: Ueno/Okachimachi, Kanda/Akihabara, Suidobashi, Nihonbashi/Bakurocho, Yaesu/Kyobashi, Otemachi/Marunouchi/Yurakucho
Information: https://tokyobiennale.jp/tb2025/?lang=en
Roots and Arts Shiraoi: There is something for everyone
Shiraoi in southwest Hokkaido is a stunningly beautiful town, rich in nature and history. The majority of the town is forest, and it’s famed for nurturing the heritage and culture of the indigenous Ainu people.
Shiraoi is the stage for Roots and Arts, a community-based art project that has been exploring and rediscovering the culture and traditions of the region since 2021. Roots and Arts is all about experiencing Shiraoi’s vibe and culture while enjoying and participating in the exhibitions and workshops that happen over the event period.
There’s something for everyone in Roots and Arts. From toddlers to older people, the works on display will excite and delight the senses.
A total of 10 projects will be exhibited in nine different locations, including the work of Amsterdam-based Chikako Watanabe, who was in residence in Shiraoi for Roots and Arts. Don’t miss the giant patchwork project that celebrates the gathering of diverse cultures. Visitors may also want to check out a workshop for making musical instruments from locally sourced materials.
Schedule: Sept. 19 (Fri.) to Oct. 13 (Mon.) [closed Mon. to Wed. except public holidays]
Venue: Shiraoi, Hokkaido
Information: https://www.shi-ra-oi.jp
