Kenji Miyazawa Birth 130th Anniversary: Fairy Tale Village Forest Light-up 2026

Event Overview

Celebrating the 130th anniversary of Kenji Miyazawa, the 'Kenji Miyazawa Birth 130th Anniversary: Fairy Tale Village Forest Light-up 2026' is a special event held at the Kenji Miyazawa Fairy Tale Village in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. The event features illuminated art objects and a unique workshop to create traditional Washi paper lampshades.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

A major highlight is the Washi paper lampshade workshop. In this workshop, participants can dye traditional Washi paper in their favorite colors and patterns, inspired by the illuminated art pieces. The completed works will be displayed within the Kenji Miyazawa Fairy Tale Village from August 1st to October 31st. After the exhibition period, participants can collect their creations. Enjoy a deep connection to Japanese culture through the use of traditional Washi paper amidst a beautifully lit atmosphere.

Schedule

The schedule for the related programs is as follows:

• *Washi Lampshade Workshop Time**: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 15:30 – 17:30
• *Exhibition Period**: Saturday, August 1, 2026 – Saturday, October 31, 2026
• *Application Period (Workshop)**: Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 08:30 – Sunday, July 12, 2026, 23:59

Venue & Access

The venue is 'Mori no Yasumiya' within the Kenji Miyazawa Fairy Tale Village.

Participation Tips

Prior registration is required for the Washi paper lampshade workshop. This workshop is specifically for elementary school students residing in Hanamaki City. Capacity is limited to 10 participants, and a lottery system will be used if applications exceed the limit. Applications must be submitted via the designated web form. As dyes are used during the process, please wear clothing that you do not mind getting stained.

Essentials & Etiquette

• *Clothing**: Please wear clothes that can get dirty, as the workshop involves using dyes.
• *Payment**: A material fee of 200 yen is required for the workshop. Please prepare cash.
• *Reservation**: Prior reservation via the web (lottery system) is mandatory for the Washi lampshade workshop.
• *Language Support**: English language support is currently not available for this workshop.
• *Etiquette**: A guardian/parent must accompany the participant on the day of the workshop.