14th year of joy!

The straw art festival held in 2021 was awarded a prize for excellence at the 27th Hometown Event Grand Prize sponsored by the Local Revitalization Center (Foundation).
The Hometown Event Grand Prize is an annual ceremony held to commend local communities all over Japan for events that breathe new life into the community.

At the award ceremony, representatives from Musashino Art University, who planned the design and theme of Wara Art, and Seijiro Uchiyama, who was involved in Wara Art production in Nishikamo District, received awards on behalf of the district.

Illuminated Straw Art

One of the 2022 works, "Kirin", was lit up in the evening with lights. It was a first attempt in Nishikamo District, but the Wara Art shone under the starry sky, creating a fantastic and sparkling display of light that could be enjoyed.

The tai-guruma or sea-bream cart, a traditional toy much loved by local people, is made out of straw.

The tai-guruma, a traditional local toy handed down in Maki, Nishikan, was transformed into a straw artwork.

We discussed designs to be made in straw for the occasion with people in local shopping streets and at the tourist information center. The local signboard maker produced the frame and covered it with straw. He finished it together with the people who had gathered for its unveiling.

The tai-guruma, straw art, at about 1.30m high, is slightly smaller than the usual straw artworks. Since it is portable, it will be exhibited at events held in various locations and appreciated by many people.