[Until Monday, August 31] Kurashiki as I Discovered It—Beyond the Familiar Scenery—Exhibition of Works ~ A crystallization of love for their hometown, felt in Kurashiki’s tradition-rich spaces, as depicted by students of Seishin Junior High School and Seishin Girls’ High School

The Kurashiki Spain Association, which hosted the flamenco performance “Scent of the Earth” at Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan on June 20, 2026, is holding an exhibition of works created by local students to share the charms of Kurashiki: “Kurashiki as I See It—Beyond the Familiar Scenery.”

Following our previous interview, they got in touch with us, and I headed to Restaurant Wisteria at Kurashiki Kokusai Hotel, the exhibition venue.

As someone who enjoys visiting art museums, I was looking forward to seeing what kinds of works I would encounter. I had an experience during summer vacation that let me feel the students’ love for their hometown of Kurashiki.

About the exhibition “Kurashiki as I See It—Beyond the Familiar Scenery”

“Kurashiki as I See It—Beyond the Familiar Scenery” is being held at Restaurant Wisteria at Kurashiki Kokusai Hotel during lunch (11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.) and dinner (5–9 p.m.). You can also view the works outside the restaurant’s business hours, we were told.

The exhibition began after Imai Mio, representative of the Kurashiki Spain Association, felt that she wanted “young people in the community to feel a stronger attachment to Kurashiki.”

In March 2026, she proposed the project to the art club at her alma mater, Seishin Junior High School and Seishin Girls’ High School. She told the students, “I want you to engage with Kurashiki in your own way,” and they began creating their works in April.

Imai says she believes that “people make a city.”
This exhibition features works freely created by students who embraced Imai’s wish for people to love Kurashiki even more.

The venue

After arriving at Kurashiki Kokusai Hotel, I headed to the right and found Restaurant Wisteria.

As I made my way through the luxurious atmosphere, feeling a little nervous, I saw a message at the entrance from the hotel’s general manager about the exhibition. The words “nurturing love for one’s hometown” made a strong impression on me.

Exhibition highlight 1: The elegant setting of Kurashiki Kokusai Hotel

Kurashiki Kokusai Hotel, the exhibition venue, was founded by Ohara Soichiro.

In particular, Restaurant Wisteria, the venue, offers a classical setting with wooden walls and window frames in which to view the works. I was able to view them with Imai in the restaurant, which was reserved just for us outside its business hours.

“I hadn’t originally considered holding an exhibition at Kurashiki Kokusai Hotel,” Imai said. The idea came to her through conversations with local people. She took the paintings to the hotel to discuss the idea, and they agreed to a month-long exhibition after being moved by her commitment.

I think that seeing the students’ lively expressions catch someone’s eye in a place overflowing with love for Kurashiki will surely bring joy and help nurture affection for the city.

Exhibition highlight 2: Students’ distinctive perspectives on Kurashiki

These works introduce Kurashiki through the keen sensibilities of junior and senior high school students.
The students reportedly submitted not only their works, but also notes describing how they had engaged with them.

The captions accompanying the works were put together from the parts that had impressed Imai.

Here are some of the works.

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

The first work depicts swans in the Bikan Historical Area and children watching them.

The Bikan Historical Area is also known for its swans. This work reminds us that what is part of our everyday lives can feel fresh when it is captured in a painting.

A work depicting a narrow alley in the Bikan Historical Area

The second work depicts a narrow alley in the Bikan Historical Area.

The caption also includes the high school student’s candid observations. Some people may visit the Bikan Historical Area often but have never ventured into its narrow alleys.

It might be fun to visit the same places after seeing the students’ works.

From the Writer

Viewing this exhibition made me realize how important it is to know where a work is displayed and what the artist had in mind when creating it.

When you live in a city, its familiar scenery can make it hard to notice its charms. But the students’ fresh perspectives made me realize that “Kurashiki still has so much to offer.”

Imai of the Kurashiki Spain Association said, “I myself realized Kurashiki’s charms after leaving the city. I hope that through the Kurashiki Spain Association’s activities, we can continue to build empathy and trust and nurture love for our hometown.”

We can look forward to the circle of people sharing the feeling that they “love Kurashiki” continuing to grow.

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