Reborn-Art Festival 2022: An Event Arising From a Disaster-Stricken Area

Reborn-Art Festival: An Art Event in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture

Reborn-Art Festival is an event featuring art, music, and food held in Ishinomaki City and the Oga Peninsula in Miyagi Prefecture.

The first event occurred in 2017 and welcomed 260,000 spectators. Related events followed, bringing revitalizing energy and hope to locals devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.

Reborn-Art Festival 2021-22 is held in two phases: summer 2021 (first phase) and summer 2022 (second phase). The latter, held from August 20 to October 2, displays works inspired by the theme "Altruism and Fluidity."

This article introduces some highlights during the second phase. The event offers visitors a chance to see works by famous artists. Additionally, it is an opportunity to witness the reconstruction efforts in Ishinomaki.

Please visit the official website for additional information.

Exhibition Areas

More than 30 works of art are exhibited in the following five areas in Ishinomaki.

1. Central Ishinomaki Area (A)
2. Memorial Park Area (B)
3. Watanoha Area (C)
4. Momonoura-Oginohama Area (D)
5. Ayukawa Area (E)

How to Access the Venue

If you depart from Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Sendai (the fastest train is 90 minutes) and transfer to the Tohoku Line for Ishinomaki, which takes about 60 minutes. Visitors can walk to Central Ishinomaki and Memorial Park from the station.

To access other areas, we recommend booking a rental car or using the shuttle buses and local buses connecting the exhibition areas.

7 Art Displays You Won’t Want to Miss!

MATCHA joined a sightseeing bus tour to efficiently view the art displays exhibited in four areas. We compiled a list of seven recommended works to see at the Reborn-Art Festival 2022.

1. "Cloud Pavilion" by Sou Fujimoto (Momonoura-Oginohama Area)

This work by Sou Fujimoto was inspired by a cloud, which symbolizes diversity and tolerance for the artist.

The clouds floating above us function as a "roof over the world," enveloping people and situations around them.

"Cloud Pavilion" was also exhibited in Yoyogi Park in Tokyo. In Ishinomaki, visitors can view the artwork up close and in a less-crowded venue.

2. "White Deer (Oshika)" by Kohei Nawa (Momonoura-Oginohama Area)

In Shintoism, a deer is a sacred animal regarded as "a messenger of the gods."

"White Deer (Oshika)" by Kohei Nawa, a famous Japanese sculptor, is a reinterpretation of this timeless belief.

The 3-D data of this work is being sold as an NFT. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the event's executive committee to fund the maintenance of this art piece.

3. "FRESH" by Shinjiro Watanabe (Central Ishinomaki Area)

This installation by Shinjiro Watanabe was created to bring out the botanical side of humans.

The sound of plants fills an ice rink illuminated in green, making visitors immediately feel at one in nature.

A photo of Yuzuru Hanyu, an Olympic gold medal figure skater, visiting this ice rink is also on display.

4. "Surf Angel" by Motohiko Odani (Watanoha Area)

It's probably accurate to say that "Surf Angel," a huge sculpture displayed at a former seafood processing plant, was the highlight of the tour.

This work was designed meticulously, from the geometrically-shaped head balanced delicately on the angel's body to the subtle wrinkles on the clothing.

The figure with widespread arms balancing on a surfboard reminds visitors of the nameless heroes who assisted in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami.

5. "New Matsushima Series" by Sachiko Kazama (Memorial Park Area)

Sachiko Kazama specializes in depicting historical occurrences and social phenomena in a unique manga-like style.

During the festival, she is exhibiting a series of works titled "New Matsushima Series." This artwork was inspired by a rock that resembles Matsushima, one of the three scenic spots in Japan.

6. "Ishinomaki Tower Project" by Tadashi Kawamata (Memorial Park Area)

Tadashi Kawamata, a renowned sculptor, created this wooden tower that appears to stretch towards the sky.

The woodwork, piled layer by layer, symbolizes the strong will to live by Ishinomaki residents.

7. "Worship" by Yusuke Iseya (Momonoura-Oginohama Area)

Yusuke Iseya is a Japanese actor, film director, and artist.

What do people imagine when they see a dark cave? This installation will evoke a conversation in one's mind.

Through this work, the artist hopes that viewers find the inner strength to act on their own accord instead of praying to a deity.

Enjoy Amazing Art at the Reborn-Art Festival 2021-22!

All the artists are inspired by their emotions towards Ishinomaki, a town devastated by the unforeseen disaster of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.

If you're visiting the Tohoku region, drop by the festival and enjoy art that blends into the natural surroundings of Ishinomaki.

Please visit the official website for additional information.