Would you like to join us for a stroll through the neighborhood, dressed in whimsical, artistic costumes?

“ART WALK: A Day for Costumes” is an art-themed walk event inspired by Halloween. Participants will wear unique costumes -— handmade by local artists and themed around the local character and charm of the neighborhood — as they explore Shiogama City’s historical Kitahama area. At each stop, say the phrase “Art is coming” to receive treats or goods from local shops!

The theme for this year’s costumes is “Gardening on your Doorstep.” Wear a costume adorned with botanical elements and add a splash of color to the autumn streetscape!

【Route】
① Kitahama Community Center (Gathering Point) →
② Gallery Sakura →
③ Springworks Havfrue Sweets Shop→
④ Nishimura Honten → SATO Butcher Shop →
⑤ Honda Artist Studio → Takii-en Tea Shop →
⑥ Kitahama Community Center (Ending Point)

*The total walking distance is approximately 500 meters.

【Capacity】
Approx. 50 participants per session (Morning and Afternoon sessions).
Open to everyone — children and adults alike! Children in elementary school or younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

【Participation Fee & Registration】
500 JPY (cash) per person. Advance registration is required.
Click here to Register (In Japanese)

【Attire / Dress Code】
Please wear comfortable clothing in dark colors, such as black or navy blue.
The costumes will be provided by the organizers.

【What You’ll Receive (Tentative)】
Baked goods from Springworks Havfrue, corn croquettes from Sato Butcher Shop, seasonal fruit from Nishimura Honten, matcha-flavored treats from Takii-en Tea Shop, art-related goods, and more! The value of the items you receive will exceed the participation fee.

On the Costume Theme: “Gardening at the Threshold”

It has been about 14 years since I first began visiting Shiogama. Three years ago, I started renting a studio at Honda Studio here in Kitahama, which led to more frequent trips; as I’ve continued to visit throughout the year, I have gradually come to develop a sense of this place.
In this process, the plants—such as those grown in small gardens along the eaves of houses—have served as a kind of navigation guide.
On one particular street, there is a time of year when orange flowers bloom right out of the gravel. While waiting at a crosswalk, I might catch sight of a potted plant placed there by someone. Near my studio, if I turn the corner at a house adorned with reddish-purple plants, I find a waste collection point. Near the entrance of a hospital—on the way to the pharmacy—there is a beautiful display of seasonal flowers, especially in the summer. There are even sidewalks where, as the seasons shift, flower petals fall to the ground.

Near the station, there is a house that bursts with roses around June; in the evenings, the resident can be seen tending to the flowers while listening to the radio.

In ways like these, landscapes born from the daily lives of others are scattered throughout the town. Even when the people themselves are not in sight, the plants they have cultivated or the gardens they have tended reveal their presence—offering glimpses into the memories and atmosphere of this place, and the rhythm of time as it flows here.

SAKURAI Sonoko

Costume Creation: SAKURAI Sonoko (Design & Production)
Sonoko Sakurai is an artist based at Honda Studio, a shared studio located in the Kitahama neighborhood of Shiogama City. Her work gives form to experiences that defy verbal expression—such as scenes from one’s memories or everyday moments that evoke a particular emotional resonance. Her creations encompass paintings and small-scale sculptures, as well as pieces assembled from a diverse range of materials she collects in her daily life.

Performance Troupe: Chindon-ya 沼座小町堂
Summer 2024. We, the “chindon-ya” (traditional Japanese street performance troupe) “Numaza Komachido,” have launched our journey in Shinainuma—a quiet, tucked-away corner of the Matsushima area. Set to the nostalgic, poignant melodies of yesteryear, we bring smiles and happiness to everyone we meet. Whether it’s a festival, a mochi (Japanese rice cake)-tossing event, or a visit to a care facility—if you call for us, we’ll be there! We are currently accepting bookings for all kinds of events. We look forward to meeting you at the event!

Event Overview
Title: ART WALK ~ A Perfect Day for Costumes ~

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026 (In case of rain, the event will be postponed to the following week, October 31)

Time: Morning Session: 10:00–12:00 / Afternoon Session: 13:00–15:00

Location: Meeting and dismissal point: Kitahama Community Center (1-2-51 Kitahama, Shiogama City) *Please note that there is no parking at the venue. If you are arriving by car, please use a nearby paid parking facility.

Artists: Costume Creation: Sonoko Sakurai; Event Animators: Numaza Komachido

Organizer: Shiogama City Sugimura Jun Museum of Art / Birdo Flugas

Grant Support:
This program is conducted as part of the FY2026 Agency for Cultural Affairs project for the development of cultural and artistic creation hubs.

Co-organizer:
Shiogama City; Cooperation: Kitahama Daiichi Neighborhood Association, NPO Children’s Art Museum Shiogama

Additional info in Japanese here