An Early Spring Brought by Flower Projections

The Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art, Echigo-Tsumari Kiyotsu Soko, offers a glimpse into its permanent collection, themed around the unique geography and history of Echigo-Tsumari: the Shinano River, the soil of Echigo, its villages, its dense landscapes, Jomon pottery, and snow. Within the building designed by architect Hiroshi Hara, there are also facilities like a public bath and a bar, familiar to locals, creating a space where the world, the present, and the region intersect.


This exhibition was conceived to shed light on the unique charm of Echigo-Tsumari, a place that can be covered in snow up to three meters deep for as long as five months. Rather than a scientific exploration of overcoming harsh nature, it aims to highlight Echigo-Tsumari as it is, with its natural conditions, and to help visitors discover new facets of the region's appeal.

The exhibition features five artists: Shinji Ohmaki, Takahito Kimura, Kota Takahashi, Takashi Nakamura, and Takahiro Matsuo. Notably, Kota Takahashi, known for his numerous lighting projects, will illuminate the beautiful colonnade in the museum's corridors during the night program, which begins after sunset. He will also project photographs of people alongside flowers, with the colors of the flowers dyeing the architecture in a light display that ushers in an early spring to this snow country.


Takashi Nakamura will present works using Iizawa Washi paper, which ceased production during Japan's period of high economic growth in Tokamachi City but was revived in 1990 after a 30-year hiatus. In addition to these, visitors can also view works by domestic and international artists from the museum's collection within Kiyotsu Soko. 'Lights in Snowland' resonates with the spirit of waiting for spring amidst the snow. It speaks to the desire to shed heavy winter clothes and move freely, the yearning for release from the weight of winter. This exhibition embraces the lives of the people in this snow country. It celebrates the rich natural environment and invites visitors to immerse their body and soul in the dynamic experiences it offers.


On Saturday, March 1st, during the exhibition period, 'Echigo-Tsumari Yukihanabi' (Snow Fireworks) will be held. This event will combine a fantastical light installation by Kota Takahashi, using 20,000 LEDs across the snowfields of Echigo-Tsumari—the region that hosts the triennial 'Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale'—with fireworks amidst the snow.

'Lights in Snowland' Exhibition

Period | Saturday, January 11th – Sunday, March 23rd (Closed Wednesdays)

Hours | 11:00 – 20:00 (Night program 17:30 – 20:00, subject to change based on sunset time)

Venue | Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art, Echigo-Tsumari Kiyotsu Soko

Admission | Adults ¥1000, Children (elementary and middle school) ¥600 (Includes access to both daytime and night programs, a total of two viewings)

Honcho 6, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture

Tel. 025-761-7767

Echigo-Tsumari Yukihanabi (Snow Fireworks)

Date | Saturday, March 1st

Price | Adults ¥1000, Children (elementary and middle school) ¥500

Venue | Nakago Green Park

*Main venue for fireworks viewing and exhibition space for Kota Takahashi's 'Gift for Frozen Village 2014'

2924-28 Kono, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture

Tel. 025-757-2637