【Until 8/31 (Mon)】Kurashiki I Found - Beyond the Familiar Scenery - Exhibition of Works ~ A crystallization of local love felt in the traditional spaces of Kurashiki, depicted by students of Seishin Junior High School and Seishin Girls' High School.

On June 20, 2026, the Kurashiki Spanish Association hosted a flamenco performance titled "The Scent of Soil" at the Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan. The Kurashiki Spanish Association is currently holding an exhibition titled "Kurashiki I Found - Beyond the Familiar Scenery -" to convey the charm of Kurashiki with local students.

Thanks to the connection from the previous interview, I was invited and headed to the restaurant Wisteria at the Kurashiki International Hotel.

As someone who enjoys visiting art museums, I am looking forward to seeing what kind of works I will encounter. I had an experience that made me feel the local love for Kurashiki during the summer vacation.

What is the exhibition "Kurashiki I Found - Beyond the Familiar Scenery -"

The exhibition "Kurashiki I Found - Beyond the Familiar Scenery -" is held during lunch hours (11:00 AM to 2:30 PM) and dinner hours (5:00 PM to 9:00 PM) at the restaurant Wisteria of the Kurashiki International Hotel. It is said that viewing the works is possible even outside of restaurant hours.

This exhibition started when Miho Imai, the representative of the Kurashiki Spanish Association, felt that she wanted "the local young people to have more affection for Kurashiki."

In March 2026, Imai proposed the project to the art club of her alma mater, Seishin Junior High School and Seishin Girls' High School. She conveyed to the students that she wanted them to "face Kurashiki in their own way," and the students began their creations in April.

Imai believes that "people create the town."
This exhibition is a free expression of the students who embraced Imai's feelings of wanting them to love Kurashiki more.

Venue Overview

Upon arriving at the Kurashiki International Hotel and proceeding to the right, you will find the restaurant Wisteria.

As I walked in, feeling the luxurious atmosphere, there was a message from the general manager of the Kurashiki International Hotel regarding the exhibition at the entrance. The phrase "Fostering Local Love" was particularly impressive.

Attraction 1 of the Exhibition: The Elegant Space of Kurashiki International Hotel

The venue for the exhibition, the Kurashiki International Hotel, was founded by Ohara Soichiro.

In particular, the restaurant Wisteria at the venue allows you to appreciate the works in a classical space with wooden walls and window frames. This time, I had the privilege of viewing the works in a private setting with Imai outside of restaurant hours.

Imai mentioned that "originally, I did not consider holding the exhibition at the Kurashiki International Hotel." After interacting with local people, she decided to negotiate with the paintings, and her attitude resonated with them, leading to a one-month exhibition being arranged.

In a place overflowing with love for Kurashiki, I believe that the lively expressions of the students catching someone's eye will surely lead to joy and foster affection for the town.

Attraction 2 of the Exhibition: The Unique Perspectives of Students on Kurashiki

The works introducing Kurashiki, shining with the sensibilities of junior high and high school students.
The students not only created the works but also submitted papers to Imai detailing how they engaged with their pieces.

The captions accompanying the works were summarized from the parts that impressed Imai.

Here, I will introduce some of the works.

A work depicting swans in the Bikan Historical Area and the children watching them

The first work is a depiction of swans in the Bikan Historical Area and the children watching them.

The Bikan Historical Area is known for its swans. However, this work reminds us that our everyday life, when captured in a painting, can feel fresh and new.

A work depicting the narrow alleys of the Bikan Historical Area

The second work depicts the narrow alleys of the Bikan Historical Area.

The caption includes the honest observations of a high school student. While many may frequently visit the Bikan Historical Area, they might not have entered the narrow alleys.

Seeing the students' works might inspire others to explore the same places.

Conclusion

After viewing this exhibition, I felt the importance of knowing where the works will be displayed and the thoughts behind their creation.

Living in the town, we sometimes overlook its charm due to the familiarity of the scenery. However, the young sensibilities of the students made me realize that "Kurashiki is a town that still has much charm to offer."

Miho Imai from the Kurashiki Spanish Association mentioned, "I realized the charm of Kurashiki after leaving it myself. I hope to continue creating activities that foster empathy and trust through the activities of the Kurashiki Spanish Association, nurturing local love."

I look forward to the expanding circle of empathy for the feeling of "I love Kurashiki" in the future.

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