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Beppu is a dynamic town that has long prospered as a hot spring destination — one that’s seen the influx of repatriates after WWII and experienced prosperity and decline as a mass tourist destination. Since the launch of the BEPPU PROJECT in 2005 and the flurry of international art festivals held in the city, Beppu has become known as a town of art.

The town of Tsunagi, located in the southern part of Kumamoto Prefecture, has a population of about 4,500. Since 1984, the town has engaged in community development through art with the aim of revitalizing Tsunagi in the aftermath of Minamata disease. Its unique community exchange programs have attracted attention to the town, from both within Japan and abroad.

Tucked away on the hillside of Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, Kentaro Kiln offers breathtaking views of Karatsu Bay and the Niji no Matsumura Pine Grove. Its owner, Kentaro Murayama, continues to make pottery that both honors the tradition’s origins while looking towards the future.

In Yamaga, Kumamoto Prefecture, a Japanese paper craft called Yamaga Toro has been handed down for generations spanning 600 years. In this article, we introduce the efforts of a young Yamaga Toro maker who is carrying on this time-honored tradition.

The Chikuho region of Fukuoka Prefecture is home to a unique confectionery culture. In this region lies Rakushindo Hompo, where a family of craftspeople make a hard candy called rakugan. Rather than for human consumption, these rakugan are used for religious offerings. Using over 100 different colors, Rakushindo Hompo makes rakugan sculptures in beautiful gradations.