Art sprouts from the imagination, but it usually starts with a blank slate of some kind, which is something Akashi Artful Week is offering its visitors. This week-long event includes the installation of a 50-meter-long blank canvas on which visitors are asked to illustrate their impressions of the city of Akashi, a seaport next to Kobe, that's famous as the gateway to Shikoku Island.

The art carnival also offers a variety of other participatory events designed to inspire imagination and creativity.

Two photo competitions are being held throughout the weekend: The Global Art Photo Contest Akashi 2014, which has the theme of "hair-styling" and whose winning entries will be used to decorate the town's public facilities. And the Akashi Deco-Bento Contest, which judges photos of the tastiest-looking Akashi-themed bento (boxed lunches). Akashi is also well-known for its octopus, which are caught in the Seto Inland Sea.

Other attractions include a saxophone gala by local musicians on Sunday, an exhibition by local artists, and workshops on hula dancing, glass crafting, weaving and photography. During the three days, face painting for children will also be available.

Akashi Artful Week in Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture takes place at the Akashi Lifelong Learning Center from March 21 to March 23. Entry is free, but a fee is required for some events and workshops. For more information visit www.akashiart.main.jp.