AKIYA AIR (Artist in Residence) is a collaborative residency program operated by MONO JAPAN Foundation based in the Netherlands and MUJUN in Yunotsu, Shimane Prefecture. Utilising vacant houses in Yunotsu, the program hosts creators from the Netherlands, offering them opportunities to experience traditional rural living, engage with local craftsmanship, explore cultural traditions such as Iwami Kagura, delve into the history of Iwami Ginzan located in the depths of Yunotsu, and immerse themselves in the abundant natural resources of the region. Participants also interact with the local community and engage in creative activities, such as producing artwork through their experiences. Participating artists contribute to maintaining vacant houses through activities like cleaning and upkeep, aiming to foster the influx of creative talents and community formation in Yunotsu's future endeavours.
Yunotsu Town
Yunotsu Town is located in the southwestern part of Oda City (Ōdashi) in the central region of Shimane Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan. It is accessible via the JR Sanin Main Line and National Route 9. The coastline features submerged coasts with many natural harbours, and Yunotsu Port has prospered since ancient times. During the Edo period, the port thrived as a shipping hub for the Iwami Ginzan silver mine, and in the Meiji period, it served as a port for the San'in sea route, exporting timber, bamboo, and Iwami pottery.
Today, Yunotsu remains an active fishing port and a shipping centre for locally produced silica sand. The area is predominantly mountainous, with around 80% covered by forests. Agriculture and forestry are the primary industries, and coastal fishing activities, such as single-line fishing, are conducted.
The birthplace and monument of Asahara Saichi (Myokōjin), introduced by Suzuki Daisetsu as a religious poet and substantive philosopher, are located at Hōjusan Anrakuji. With buildings from the Edo, Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras standing side by side, featuring distinctive red Iwami ceramic tiles, Yunotsu has been selected as the only "hot spring town" in Japan designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
Background on the Appeal of Yunotsu to Iwami and Why Yunotsu's Rural Area is the Setting:
-
Shimane Prefecture, known as the land of Japan's origins and myths, holds rich narratives unique to this region. Sheltered from wartime bombing raids, many buildings and mountain forests from pre-war times still exist, preserving the charm of ancient Japan.
-
Shimane has a rich tradition of performing arts and traditional crafts rooted in local resources. The Iwami Kagura, for instance, is unparalleled in that there are as many as 150 kagura groups in the region, formed, managed and announced by local residents on their own initiative, with people of all ages dancing and enjoying kagura.
-
The stone paper used for Kagura masks and costumes is handmade by local artisans, and local craftsmen also handle the making of Kagura masks and costumes.
-
Yunotsu in Oda City is the only hot spring town designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Japan. While Yunotsu once thrived with spa guests and tourists, it has since become a quiet area. In fact, the Iwami region of Shimane Prefecture is where the term "depopulation" originated, recognised as a leading area in demographic decline.
-
However, shifting societal values due to the pandemic have spurred change. Over the past four years, more than ten entrepreneurs have returned to or relocated to the area, opening accommodations and restaurants. Previously, the main street of this hot spring town, spanning just 500 meters, had only one restaurant.
In recent years, however, seven new restaurants have opened. In addition, seven new accommodation facilities have been established, and two existing inns have been renovated and reopened. Mr. Kobayashi was the very first to return to this area.
Mission
Through the AKIYA AIR project in Yunotsu, vacant houses and depopulated towns are reimagined as abundant and affordable resources, offering materials and space for creators. Situated away from major cities, participants can immerse themselves daily in traditional rural living and culturally rich practices like Kagura performances. This initiative acts as a catalyst, prompting internal and external reevaluation of Yunotsu as a profoundly rich and valuable destination.
To achieve this vision, we invite artists from the Netherlands to join us in fostering collaboration between new residents and the existing community, encouraging mutual engagement. Together, our objective is to uncover Yunotsu's unique identity and explore effective ways to utilise it. Through these interactions, artists will discover abundant inspiration for their creative pursuits, using vacant houses as studios to enrich their artistic activities.
Yunotsu features numerous traditional and iconic locations, with plans underway to host an art festival in 2027, leveraging the region's rich environment as a platform for artistic expression. The hope is to establish Yunotsu as a gathering place for creative talents from both domestic and international communities.
Furthermore, the MONO JAPAN Foundation, based in the Netherlands, is committed to continuously offering Dutch creators fresh and stimulating opportunities by bridging the creative industry in the Netherlands with Yunotsu.
Programme
-
Tour of Yunotsu and nearby studios, including a visit to Mr. Kobayashi's woodworking studio and introduction to the vacant house serving as the artist's residence and studio.
-
Invite local community members and the artist support team to introduce themselves and discuss the artist's goals, interests, and expectations during their stay.difference.
-
Explore nearby studios in Yunotsu and visit Iwami Ginzan, researching the local nature and community independently while deciding on a theme and starting the creation process.
-
Conduct regular meetings between the AIR office (Mr. Kobayashi, MONO JAPAN Foundation, artist support team) and the artist to discuss daily life and production.
-
Presentation of the artist's final outcomes at the end of their stay. The format can vary, including exhibitions or presentations (mandatory).
-
Mr. Kobayashi's vacant house is a traditional Japanese-style house located approximately a five-minute drive from the centre of Yunotsu. Surrounded by lush nature, with fields and mountains, the house offers both living quarters and studio space for artists. Amenities include a shared kitchen, bath, and toilet, with internet access available. The stay room and studio are traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats. If required, artists have the option to create works at Mr. Kobayashi's woodworking studio in the mountains.
What We Can Do in Our Environment
Materials from the satoyama
Rocks, stones, soil, wood, bamboo, straw, iron (steel), etc.
Materials from Vacant Houses
Old household items (discarded materials).
Coastal Driftwood
Ranging from large debris known as "continental garbage" to small items (high potential). (The collective term for the workshop facilities within the satoyama will be referred to as "MUJUN Workshop Yunotsu.")
Facilities
Excavators, forklifts, crane trucks, transport vehicles, light trucks, chain blocks, etc.
Workspace 1
Concrete floor adjacent to the blacksmith forge, approximately 100 square metres.
Blacksmith Forge
(Complete Set including Furnace, Spring Hammer, Press, and Hardening Furnace)
Workspace 2
Several rooms available inside the old farmhouse with tatami flooring.
Carpentry Workshop
(Complete Set including Sawing Machines, Automatic Planer, Planer, Table Saw, Drying Machine, Chainsaw, General Tools, and Blades)
Workspace 3
Arable land (abandoned farmland) and mountain forest area within the company's premises, approximately 170,000 square metres.
What Can Be Done at MUJUN Workshop Yunotsu
Circular Craft Making Generated In Satoyama (Examples)
Camping in the satoyama.
Bonfires, hearth cooking.
Maintenance work in the mountains (arranging wind and water flow areas).
Process from standing timber to materials (felling, transport, sawing, processing).
Bamboo felling and processing.
Making mud walls with soil, straw, and bamboo.
Charcoal making.
Sustainable Tool Making Generated in Satoyama (Examples)
Collecting sand iron from beaches and rivers.
Making steel from charcoal burning to steelmaking at the blacksmith forge.
Making tools and blades at the blacksmith workshop.
Reprocessing old iron at the blacksmith forge.
Regenerating old tools.
Introduction to Relaxing Holiday Activities
Hot springs, Kagura (traditional Shinto music and dance), and sake (typical evening activity in Yunotsu Onsen Town).
Karaoke at Kirakuya or Tokitsufu (alternative evening activity in Yunotsu Onsen Town).
Zazen (Zen meditation) and shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at a temple.
Fasting, relaxation massage, etc.
Surfing in the Sea of Japan.
Hiking on Mount Sanbe, hot springs, and Jingisukan (grilled lamb dish).
Fishing and snorkeling in the sea; various types of sandy beaches.
Abundant cafes and restaurants.
Watching the sunset on deserted beaches.
Optional
We offer the following optional services upon request of the resident, following consultation with the local coordinator:
Cultural Exchange Support
Yunotsu is a region abundant in food, nature, culture and history, with a strong tradition in ceramics. The surrounding area offers a wide range of opportunities for cultural exploration. You will have the opportunity to be introduced to places where you can interact with local residents, such as flower arranging and martial arts classes.
Additional Support Available Based on Artist's Preferences
Experience making Washi (Japanese paper) at Ishikawa Washi Workshop.
Tour of the Paper Cloth Workshop.
Visit to the Iwami Ginzan Tile Workshop.
Workshop at a Pottery Studio.
Tour and hands-on experience at the Iwami Kagura Mask Workshop.
Visit to the Hirata Family Residence (including a tour of the Tatara furnace, local history, valuable housing, and natural farming).
Rental car.
Tour of a local sake brewery.
Visit to a local fermentation workshop.
Living and workspace
Mr. Kobayashi's vacant house is a traditional Japanese-style house located approximately a five-minute drive from the centre of Yunotsu. Surrounded by lush nature, with fields and mountains, the house offers both living quarters and studio space for artists. Amenities include a shared kitchen, bath, and toilet, with internet access available. The stay room and studio are traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats. If required, artists have the option to create works at Mr. Kobayashi's woodworking studio in the mountains.
Criteria
Expected Outcomes
Participants in the AKIYA AIR program are expected to actively engage with local residents, immersing themselves in the region’s history, nature, and traditions. During their stay, they will also contribute to the upkeep of vacant houses through cleaning and maintenance efforts. The anticipated outcomes will vary depending on whether the participant is a researcher or a creator, but in both cases, their work will draw inspiration from the region. Outcomes must be presented at the end of the stay and will also be showcased at the MONO JAPAN Fair in the Netherlands the following year.
-
Researchers will present their findings with a creative perspective on Yunotsu, vacant houses, rural living, and Iwami Ginzan at the end of their residency. While the default presentation formats include presentations or exhibitions, alternative formats can be discussed.
The results, clearly identified as the researcher’s work, may be published online as content related to culture, tourism, and regional development by organisations involved in the regional revitalisation of Yunotsu, such as the government agencies of Shimane Prefecture, Oda City, and DMOs (Destination Management Organisations).
-
Artists and designers will create works inspired by Yunotsu, its vacant houses, rural living, and Iwami Ginzan, as well as using local materials and traditional crafts. These works will be showcased at the end of the stay.
While the default presentation formats are presentations or exhibitions, alternative formats can be discussed. One artwork will be donated to the art festival planned in Yunotsu for 2027 (artists are encouraged to create multiple pieces to retain some for themselves).
Design works will be created in collaboration with local artisans and companies in and around Yunotsu. If future partnerships develop, the parties involved will discuss the collaboration independently, without the involvement of the program’s organising body.
Programme Outline
At AKIYA AIR, we will invite one group of creators (artists, designers, or researchers, with a maximum of three members) or researchers in creative fields for a two-month residency from October to December 2024. During their stay, creators will have opportunities to immerse themselves in Yunotsu and its surroundings, explore nearby areas including Iwami Ginzan, engage with local craftsmanship, and experience rural living. We will provide support for their desired creative projects and provide opportunities for showcasing their work, contributing to rediscovering Yunotsu’s significance and developping the local community. This program is supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan.
-
Relevant Field
Local, social, community and historical research
Art, design and architecture
Food (Participation applications for food-related topics may also be submitted upon request)
-
Basic Residency Period
Maximum period 1st October 2024 – 26th December 2024
-
Number of Residents Accepted
1 artist/researcher's group consists of a maximum of 3 persons
-
Application Requirements
The applicant must have professional experience in a design or an art field; this program is not open to students. Participants must reside in Japan for the duration of the program. Apart from receiving technical guidance, applicants are expected to be self-sufficient in their daily life in Yunotsu. The applicant should have respect for local culture, history and people.
The following requirements (A-K) must also be met while on the programme.
The applicant must:
Understand the purpose of your stay and the program itself, committing to stay for the entire period (excluding Saturdays and Sundays).
Being free from restrictions on any occupational activities during the stay.
Be able to live together with other residents (1-3 people) during the period of the stay.
Be in good health.
Being able to communicate in English or Japanese.
Must be located in Shimane Prefecture for the period of the program.
Donate one sample of their work at the end of the residency to Yunotsu or Oda city.
Be able to participate in residency events organised by MUJUN, such as presenting their work, presentation, or hosting open studios.
Arrange for any accident insurance coverage required for the duration of their stay in Japan before visiting Japan.
Understand that in principle, family members cannot accompany the designer during their stay.
Cover the expenses required for the program (including travel, production and living expenses, etc.) independently, with the aid of a subsidy
-
Available Support & Services
Communication Support (English and Japanese)
Project Planning Support and production advice
Facilitation of cultural exchange
Provision of a passenger car at no charge (excluding fuel expenses)
Provision of 3 bicycles at no charge for daily commuting between housing and work
Free use of equipment, materials, and tools at MUJUN Workshop Yunotsu
Example: Rental car company in Yunotsu https://www.t-ogawa.com/ogawapost/1162
-
Creator’s Expense
Travel expenses home to Yunotsu round trip
Production costs (depending on the creator’s plan)
Material costs (materials needed for creating artworks that are not available at MUJUN Workshop Yunotsu, depending on the creator’s plan)
Living expenses (food expenses roughly – 30,000-50,000 yen per month)
Work transportation cost (from Yunotsu to any place)
Fuel expenses for usage
Transportation expenses (domestic travel, etc.)
Other miscellaneous costs
* indicates fixed cost
Application
Relevant Field
Local, social, community and historical research
Art, design and architecture
Food (Participation applications for food-related topics may also be submitted upon request)
Final Selection
Period for online interviews: between 1 - 20 August 2024
Judging Panel & Advisory Board
MUJUN (Coelacanth Shokudou. LLC)
MONO JAPAN Foundation
Basic Residency Period
Maximum period 1st October 2024 – 26th December 2024
Notification of selected artist
Stichting MONO JAPAN will notify the selected artist by email on Thursday, 29 August 2024. The announcement is scheduled for the same date.
Number of Residents Accepted
1 artist/researcher's group consists of a maximum of 3 persons
Public presentation
A public presentation will take place on Sunday, 15 September 2024 at Nieuwe Instituut during the MONO JAPAN Fair together with MUJUN and Stichting MONO JAPAN.