The Ekin Festival takes place annually on the third weekend of July in Konan City, Kochi Prefecture. It is dedicated to showcasing the unique artworks of Ekin, an esteemed Edo-period painter deeply influenced by kabuki theater. Unlike the more commonly known vibrant summer festival vibes, the Ekin Festival offers a more Halloween-esque atmosphere, providing visitors the opportunity to view chilling and provocative depictions of famous Kabuki scenes by candlelight.
Artistic Heritage of Ekin
Photo by: WikiCommons/陳寅恪 His artworks are especially known for their distinctive use of bright red hues.
Hirose Kinzou, or Ekin in Kochi, is famed for his shibai-e byoubu (folding screen paintings), depicting theatrical scenes from Kabuki plays. His artworks are especially known for their distinctive use of bright red hues and often portray kabuki scenes characterized by themes of violence and eroticism. The unique red color used in Ekin’s paintings is believed to possess protective qualities against evil spirits.
Unlike typical gallery settings, original copies of Ekin’s folding screen paintings are displayed outdoors in Akaoka’s shopping area. This allows visitors to appreciate them up close in an open-air environment. To preserve the sensitive condition of these artworks, all street lights, including vending machines, are turned off during the festival. The paintings are illuminated by the flickering light of a single candlestick in front of it, enhancing the mysterious ambiance of the event.
Kabuki Performances
Photo by: PIXTA/俺の空 Watch a kabuki performance at Bentenza.
The festival streets are centered around a traditional Kabuki theater called Bentenza. Here, multiple Kabuki plays are staged over both days of the festival. These performances are free of charge, and visitors are encouraged to attend the kabuki performances to witness firsthand the theatrical inspirations behind Ekin’s renowned paintings. This experience offers visitors a deeper understanding of the connection between kabuki theater and Ekin’s artistic interpretations. The plays, however, are conducted exclusively in Japanese.
Ekin Festival
Photo by: PIXTA/ 俺の空 See some of his work up close and personal.
Take a break and head to the central square near the entrance of the Kabuki theater. Here, you can find a typical Japanese summer festival setup: food and game booths like goldfish scooping and shooting. There is also a stage where constant entertainment in the form of dance and music performances is provided. The area, unlike the rest of the Ekin Festival, is well-lit, so grab some food and stay awhile.
