ユネスコ創造都市やまがた

Yamagata Artists-in-Residence

YAMAGATA Artists-In-Residence is a residency program that invites domestic and
overseas artists to support their creative activities and engage in exchange activities with
citizens in Yamagata.
We hope that this program inspires artists through rich nature, diverse cultural assets, and
exchange activities with students, local artists and community residents.
We also aim for the people in Yamagata to recognize the appeal of their community and
Yamagata City, increasing their interest in cultural arts and activities.

Fiscal Year 2018

In 2018, a total of five filmmakers from Malaysia and Indonesia stayed in Zao for four weeks to review and edit their unfinished documentary films. Leading documentary filmmakers such as director SODA Kazuhiro, visited Zao as lecturers and held workshops with the participating filmmakers over a total of four days to review their films and provide advice. Participants interacted with local citizens through the “Creative Café”, a part of the Creative City Promotion Project, as well as in classes held at elementary and junior high schools in Yamagata City and during film screenings. They also produced short films based on their experiences and the “Yamagata” that the filmmakers observed during their stay.

Indonesia Team’s Work

“Retreat”

Malaysia Team’s Work

“An Invitation”

Fiscal Year 2019

In 2019, directors, staff, and cast from Busan, South Korea, a UNESCO Creative City of Film, were invited to Yamagata City to produce the short film “Return”. During their stay, they conducted location scouting and filming throughout Yamagata City, while also engaging with the local community at the “Creative Café”. The completed work was screened at the “Busan Intercity Film Festival 2019” held in Busan from May 31 to June 3, and also in the short film category (Asia) at the “Ngilngig Asian Fantastic Film Festival 2019” held in Davao, Philippines, from October 25 to 29.

Fiscal Year 2020

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we avoided international travel and supported the creation of an original script set in Yamagata City to connect with future film productions. We invited director of “Ogawa no Hotori”, SHINOHARA Tetsuo, known for films such as “Tsuki to Kyabetsu” and “Hana Ikusa,” as well as screenwriter ABE Mika, recognized for “Isha Sensei”, from Obanazawa City in Yamagata Prefecture, to conduct scenario hunting. Following COVID-19 safety protocols, they interviewed local residents and toured various locations within the city for their film.

Fiscal Year 2021

In 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic continued, we utilized YouTube as a promotional platform to showcase the charm of tourist spots in Yamagata City, accompanied by beautiful music.

We invited YouTuber pianist and composer Yomii, as well as arranger Jacob Koller, among others. The various videos uploaded to YouTube through this project can be viewed in the following playlists.

■ Yamagata Artist in Residence 2021 〈Part 1〉 【Pianist: Yomii】

■ Yamagata Artist in Residence 2021 〈Part 2〉 【Jazz Pianist: Jacob Koller】

■ Yamagata Artist in Residence 2021 〈Part 3〉 【Freestyle Pianist: Kei-chan】

Fiscal Year 2022

In 2022, we continued to utilize YouTube as a promotional platform to showcase the charm of tourist spots in Yamagata City, accompanied by beautiful music.

■ Yamagata Artist in Residence 2022

Collaboration Performance by NISHIMURA Yukie and Hibiki piano

We invited NISHIMURA Yukie and Hibiki piano to perform on a Bechstein piano, manufactured in 1927, which has been revitalized as a symbol of the “Yamagata Creative City Center Q1”, opened in September. The official character “Machikane-kun” from Toyonaka City in Osaka Prefecture, which has been engaging in exchange projects with Yamagata City, also made an appearance.

■ Yamagata Artist in Residence 2022 II

Performance by Professional Saxophonist HOSOKAWA Shinji

We invited HOSOKAWA Shinji, a professional saxophonist who is gaining popularity on his official YouTube channel “Sax in the Night City”. Generally, he performs in fashionable streets with glowing neon lights. This time, despite the challenging -4°C temperature, which can be tough even for locals, he enjoyed the snowy landscapes and cityscapes of Yamagata and concluded with a wonderful performance.

Fiscal Year 2023

In 2023, we continued to utilize YouTube as a promotional platform to showcase the charm of tourist spots in Yamagata City, accompanied by beautiful music.

■ Yamagata Artist in Residence 2023

Kalimba Performer Misa

In the autumn at Yamadera, we invited kalimba performer Misa, who is known for her YouTube performances. Please enjoy the soothing sounds of the kalimba against the enchanting landscapes of the sea of clouds at Yamadera and the Tarumizu ruins.

■ Yamagata Artist in Residence 2023 II

Pianist ISHII Takuma

We invited pianist ISHII Takuma, who lives in Vienna and is also active as a classical YouTuber on his channel “TAKU-ON TV TAKUON”. He performed on a Bechstein piano, manufactured in 1927, which has been revitalized as a symbol of the “Yamagata Creative City Center Q1”. While unraveling the history of this piano, he played the children’s song “Kono Michi,” composed by YAMADA Kosaku in 1927, a piece that was likely performed and sung in schools at that time, reflecting the passage of a hundred years.

Fiscal Year 2024

In 2024, we invited Portuguese photographer Teresa Freitas. She mainly stayed in the Takase area of Yamagata City and conducted a photography project themed “Yamagata and Safflower” as part of her “Flower Project”. During her time in the Takase area, she home stayed at Ryuganji Temple, where she engaged with Yamagata’s culture through food and daily life. Additionally, she held a workshop at a local elementary school and participated in regional festivals, fostering various forms of interaction.

2024 Artists-In-Residence Activity Introduction Video

Targeted SDGs