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AIR_JOnline Database of Artist in Residence Programs in Japan

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ASAMA KUZANBO Artist-in-Residence Program

  • Host organization

    ASAMA KUZANBO Artist-in-Residence Program

  • Address

    Kuzanbo Club LLC

  • Website

    https://www.kuzanbo.jp/

Objective To foster a hub for artistic creation in the Karuizawa and Kita-Karuizawa area by providing artists with a residency environment where they can engage with nature and develop their work amid the rich natural surroundings of the Mt. Asama foothills. Through works created during the residency and exchanges with resort guests and the local community, the program seeks to explore and communicate new forms of culture at the intersection of art and resort hospitality.
Organization activities An artist-in-residence program hosted by ASAMA KUZANBO, a private villa resort in Kita-Karuizawa. A selected artist or duo is provided with approximately one month of complimentary accommodation and workspace, partial support for basic production materials, use of a vehicle, and PR/documentation support. Opportunities for a presentation or exhibition of the resulting work and workshops for resort guests and the local community are also provided.
Founded in 2026
Background The Karuizawa and Kita-Karuizawa area has long attracted painters, craftspeople, designers, and other creative practitioners, and is home to numerous museums and studios. ASAMA KUZANBO itself incorporates art into its villa design and spatial concept under the supervision of internationally renowned designer Junko Koshino. Building on this cultural context and the natural environment at the foot of Mt. Asama, the residency program was launched in 2026 to support artists' creative practice. For the first residency, painter Yugo Kourogi stayed for approximately one month, creating the work “Λ (Lambda) 01” and holding an oil-painting workshop for resort guests.
Location / Environment ASAMA KUZANBO is a private villa resort of approximately 62,000 sq. m. located at about 1,100 meters above sea level in Kita-Karuizawa at the foot of Mt. Asama. Artists can work surrounded by rich nature, with expansive views of Mt. Asama, quiet mornings, and clear mountain air. The wider Karuizawa and Kita-Karuizawa area is also home to a number of museums and studios.
Program introduction (video)
Contact ASAMA KUZANBO Artist-in-Residence Program Office

2032-2577 Kita-Karuizawa, Naganohara-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 377-1412, Japan
mkg@kuzanbo.jp
https://www.instagram.com/asamakuzanbo_official/

Facility information

Studio information

Available

The naturally lit living room of the Deluxe Suite “Cassiopeia” Villa can be used as a studio/workspace. Partial provision of basic production materials may be discussed depending on the project.

Accommodations

Available

Complimentary accommodation is provided in the Deluxe Suite “Cassiopeia,” equipped with a living room, dining area, bedroom, Japanese-style room, kitchenette, bath, and toilet.

Presentation space

Available

Opportunities are provided for presentations or exhibitions of the resulting work and workshops for resort guests and the local community, with the guest lounge, restaurant, and other on-site spaces envisioned as possible venues.

Program Support

Application Period

Limited-time call

Location

Approximately 40 minutes by taxi from the North Exit of Karuizawa Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. By car, approximately 50 minutes from the Usui-Karuizawa IC on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway. As address searches may not show the correct location, please search for “ASAMA KUZANBO” on Google Maps. From approximately November through April, winter tires are required due to possible snow and icy roads.

Open calls

Currently there is no program available for application.