If you happen to be in Niigata prefecture of Japan between late August and October and travelling through the countryside, you are likely to come across huge sculptures of animals and abstract forms strewn across parks. It is not uncommon to find visitors crowding around some of the spectacular installations, taking photographs or posing with the giant figures, which can be as tall as 30 feet. Unless constrained by time, you might also join the fun.
Known as the Wara Art Festival, it is a unique event born out of people's interest in creatively using the discarded rice straw after the paddy is harvested. Beginning in 2008, the art festival was conceptualised by the local authorities and the Department of Science of Design in Tokyo, with students from Musashino Art University collaborating with local people to create the giant shapes. As the popularity of the festival grew, live performances and pop up stalls gave it a carnival look.
As artists give free rein to their imagination, towering sculptures of animals ranging from mythical dragons to dinosaurs, from gorillas, rhinos, birds to crabs and spiders to abstract installations dot the landscape. Local artisans build the wooden frame based on the installation designed by the art students. The straw is fixed on the frame in layers according to the design. It may take up to two weeks to build an installation. To see the installations being made, you can visit towards the beginning of the festival.
According to local people, the art festival has also given a fresh lease of life to an indigenous craft called 'toba' or 'weaving the straw'. The straw cannot be used in its original shape for making the artworks. Because of the collaborative nature of the project, art students receive training from the local weavers in the technique of Toba weaving.
The best place to catch this annual festival is the Uwasekigata Koen, a park in Nishikan Ward. In 2023, the theme was ' Sea of Echigo Province', Echigo coinciding with today's Niigata Prefecture. The straw sculptures highlighted the Japanese Crested Ibis ('toki'), an octopus and a dolphin. This year, the festival is from August 31 to October 31.
Getting there: Uwasekigata Park is located at the foot of the Kadota Mountain and is a popular tourist attraction. You may take a bus from Niigata Station.
Note: Usually, the festival begins in late August or early September and continues till end of October. It is a local festival and best to check for the latest information before planning.