Ekingura

Tucked away in a quiet shopping street in Akaoka Town, Kōnan City, Kōchi Prefecture,
Ekingura is a one-of-a-kind museum that showcases the mesmerizing, eerie, and vibrant world of theatrical folding screens created by the enigmatic artist Ekin (real name: Hirose Kinzo).

Ekin's works—screen paintings based on kabuki and jōruri performances—were traditionally displayed during local festivals in Akaoka, glowing eerily under the soft light of night.
Ekingura recreates this atmospheric setting with immersive exhibition rooms that make visitors feel as if they’ve stepped into the late Edo period.

In a modest town in Kōchi, you’ll find an astonishingly dramatic and expressive form of local art that few expect.

Who Was Ekin? The Artist of Blood, Drama, and the Supernatural

Ekin, active during the late Edo to early Meiji period, began his career as a painter for the ruling Tosa domain under the prestigious Kano school.
However, after becoming embroiled in a scandal, he was exiled from the castle town and settled in Akaoka with the help of his aunt.

There, he reinvented himself as a town painter, creating folding screens depicting vivid theatrical scenes.
His works are known for their startling portrayals of violence, including bloodshed, vengeful spirits, and dramatic deaths—yet they are exquisitely detailed, full of emotion, and uniquely composed.

At Ekingura, visitors can encounter the intensity and imagination of his art firsthand.

A World of Theater and Light Revealed in Darkness

What sets Ekingura apart is its use of darkened rooms to display the artworks.
Replicas of Ekin’s screen paintings are illuminated by simulated candlelight, bringing the drama to life with striking shadows and vibrant colors.

The blood-red kimono, the anguished faces, and the tragic climaxes all seem to pulse with life in the dim room, igniting the viewer’s imagination.
You’ll also find peephole-style displays of original works, alongside exhibits on Ekin’s life and the festival culture that kept his art alive.

A Transformative Art Experience in Rural Kōchi

Ekingura is more than just a museum—it’s an immersive art space where emotions and stories leap from the screen and linger in the heart.

Whether you’re interested in traditional Japanese culture, kabuki theater, or seeking something entirely unexpected,
this museum offers a rich, emotional journey into the artistic shadows of Japan’s past.

On your next visit to Kōchi, don’t miss the chance to explore the captivating world of Ekin—where light, darkness, and drama become one.