Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum — Attraction in Shikaoi

The Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum of Art in Shikaoi, Hokkaido, is a poignant tribute to the life and work of Nissho Kanda (1937–1970), a self-taught Western-style painter who spent his short life as a farmer in the Tokachi region. Despite his untimely passing at 32, Kanda's vivid realism and portrayal of rural life have left an indelible mark on Japanese art.

Opened in 1993 and renamed in 2006, the museum houses approximately 135 of Kanda's paintings and sketches, including his unfinished masterpiece, Horse, which remains a symbol of his interrupted life and artistic journey. The collection offers insight into his unique style, characterized by dynamic compositions and the use of unconventional materials like plywood.

Visitors can explore the recreated studio space, providing a glimpse into Kanda's creative process and daily life. The museum not only preserves his legacy but also serves as a cultural hub, hosting exhibitions and events that celebrate the intersection of art and rural life.

Located conveniently near the Shikaoi Roadside Station along National Route 274, the museum is easily accessible for travelers seeking to delve into the rich artistic heritage...

The artist is a solitary painter who died young and led a humble life as a farmer who paints. His skills are pretty solid and his oil paintings are exemplary in their messaging. A painting he died before he could finish, which is also the logo of the museum, seems to be a portrait of a horse. Look closely at the horse eyes, what an amazing piece of art and only god knows how the final piece will look.

No one really mentions it but the interior architecture of the building is...

A small art museum of a local oil paint artist who lived his most of his life there. Famous for the black horse half body uncompleted. Together with the permanent exhibition, there was a collaboration exhibition with newer generations. No photos...