An arts festival held annually from summer through fall, taking place throughout the village of Kami-Koani. Featuring a variety of exhibitions and events centered on three pillars—contemporary art, music, and traditional performing arts—the festival showcases the charm of the satoyama landscape.Artworks created by contemporary artists based both within and outside the prefecture, as well as graduates of Akita Prefectural University of Art, who drew inspiration from Kamikoani Village, are displayed at venues throughout the village. Workshops and music events are also held.

Launched in 2012 under the name “KAMIKOANI Project Akita” as an offshoot of the “Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale” held in Niigata Prefecture, the festival saw local residents take the lead in forming a new organizing committee in 2016, renaming it to its current title, “Kamikoani Project.”Since then, the festival has been held annually while expanding the number of venues, and the number of repeat visitors from outside the prefecture is growing.

With many participatory events such as workshops, this is an art festival unique to the satoyama landscape where you can engage with the local community through art. Once you participate, you’re sure to discover the hidden charms of Kamikoani. Please feel free to stop by.

2025 Event Information (Click or Tap)

Kickoff Music Festival Flyer (Click or Tap)

Closing Event: “Traditional Performing Arts Performance and Symposium” (Click or Tap)

September 21 (Sun) Kickoff Music Festival

Venue: Koanity

72-2 Mukogawara, Kamikoani Village, Kitaakita District, Akita Prefecture

Admission: 1,000 yen (Free for high school students and younger)

Reservations: Not required

October 5 (Sun) – 26(Sun) *Closed Wednesdays* Exhibition

Venue: Former Kamikoani Nursery School

210 Mukogawara, Ozawada, Kamikoani Village, Kitaakita District, Akita Prefecture

Approximately three artists will conduct artist-in-residence programs and hold exhibitions.

A weekend café is also planned.

November 9 (Sun): Traditional Performing Arts Performance and Symposium

Venue: Health Promotion Training Center

118 Mukogawara, Ozawada, Kamikoani Village, Kitaakita District, Akita Prefecture

In addition to a joint performance featuring Kamikoani Village’s “Ozawada Koma Odori” and Kitakita City’s “Fukuda Shishimai” and “Neko Bangaku,” a symposium themed “Connecting and Being Connected Festival” will be held.