Kanekichi Bettei

A landmark of old town of Omi Hachiman, Kanekichi Bettei was placed in one minute walk from Himure-Hachiman and Hakuunkan. It was another tradesmen’s house belonging to the Kanekichi family of Oumi beef, which was at one time a lumber warehouser.

Joze Slak

At the entrance with earthen floor, the drawing by Joze Slak filled the wall surface and hanged on vaulted ceiling.

Yoshiko Tanabe

As if linking to the Joze’s work, there was white felt hanged on the whole wall over the stile. This is a participatory project called “Yoji handicraft project” by Yoshiko Tanabe. The project invited visitors to do embroidery toothpicks, which are often disposed in daily basis, with colored knitting wool. Visitors of all ages participated in the project.

Mari Kamei

At the back of the Yoji handicraft project, there were stairs up to the former apprentices’ room, where had an installation by Mari Kamei.

Yoshinobu Nakagawa

Going through the garden in the rear of the entrance, where there was a work by Yoshinobu Nakagawa hanged from up above in another space with earthen floor, as if it had been there for years.

Taira Ichikawa

Continuing with this style, inside there was Taira Ichikawa‘s iron object imitating a huge Christmas Tree, which was almost reaching to the transom. The garden over the parlor had earthenware objects by Rie Izumi, which were scattered and shaped humorously, as if they were the spirit of the garden. There was a stately storehouse over the garden, showing the one-time owner’s glory.

Tomoko Ishida

Over the massive door, Tomoko Ishida‘s work under the small window with lights streaming in.

Kanekichi Bettei

Kanekichi Bettei had also a goods section where visitor could get special goods of the Kanekichi theater or Biwako Biennale and artists’ products.