Written by Patrick Balfe
For three weeks, Lake Akan in Hokkaidō will become an exhibition of indigenous Ainu art and culture.
What to expect
Akan Ainu Art Week 2025 is an art festival held in Akan Lake Onsen and the Akan Lake Ainu Kotan in Kushiro, Hokkaido. This is the second edition of the event, celebrating Ainu culture and the natural beauty of Akan Lake.
This year’s event has expanded to include additional venues as well as outdoor on-site creations in nature, symbolic installations, nature tours, and performing arts programs. The exhibition will showcase traditional and modern art in a variety of media created by Ainu locals and artists from around Japan and abroad.
About Akan Lake Ainu Kotan
Ainu Kotan is a small community of around 120 people in Hokkaido. Based on the Ainu belief that “all things have a spirit,” visitors can engage in cultural experiences such as interacting, creating, eating, learning, and connecting with nature.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
