Activities outside the studio provide opportunities for cultural exchange and a chance to meet the people of Onishi.
Artists may participate in local events and festivals as well as gatherings the art residency organizes.
The town of Onishi holds a summer music festival every July (on the 11th and 12th in 2026). The Festival is one of the most exciting times of year, with former residents coming from around the country to participate.
While not required, artists in group 2 are encouraged to participate in the festival and to help pull the shrine.
The final group of 2025 will fire a traditional wood-fired anagama kiln. The residency founder Kjell Hahn runs the kiln and has been firing anagama for 17 years.
It takes several days to load an anagama, meticulously packing wadding between every adjoining surface. The kiln then requires 4 days of 24 hour stoking, burning through several cords of wood.
The kiln is located across the river from Onishi on a nearby mountain in Kamiizumi town, Saitama prefecture. The kiln is 10 minutes from the nearest building, in the middle of a cedar forest.
During the firing artists will stay in a small cabin next to the kiln.
