SeeARTWORKS AT HANZ

Discover a diverse collection of artworks, including glasswork, ceramics, and paintings.

Enjoy each piece in harmony with the natural light and the surrounding woodland scenery.

Examples of works by ceramic artist Nobuo Ota

Artist Profiles

Painter Azusa Kobayashi

PainterAzusa KOBAYASHIAzusa KOBAYASHI

introduction

A painter who creates works as an alternative to language, connecting familiar images through motifs and compositions while exploring the unknown.

Drawing upon the rational yet enigmatic behaviors of animals and objects, she approaches her practice as a metaphorical form of “hunting.” Through interconnected structures composed of elements such as hair, strings, passageways, and mazes, as well as wordplay and association games, she brings unknown presences into view.

Her distinctive expression invites viewers to experience painting not simply as something to be “seen,” but as retinal writing to be “read” or “recited.” By creating a space for contemplation and discovery, her work opens up new possibilities for art.

biography

  • Graduated from the Department of Intermedia Art, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts
  • Completed the Master’s Program in Oil Painting, Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts
  • Exchange student at the Royal Academy of Arts, United Kingdom
  • Exchange student at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris, France
  • Completed the Doctoral Program in Oil Painting at Tokyo University of the Arts

AWARD

  • AATM Judge Akiya Takahashi Award, Art Award Tokyo Marunouchi
  • Excellence Award, TURNER AWARD
  • Excellence Award, GOLDEN COMPETITION
  • Selected for FACE 2023
  • Has held solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Aichi Prefecture, and other locations
Artist Koji Ishii

ArtistKoji ISHIKoji ISHI

introduction

A pioneering figure in Japanese glass art who played a leading role in the development of the field.

Inspired by Aomori’s harsh yet majestic natural landscape, he captured the changing light and colors of the four seasons, along with the subtle emotional sensibilities of Japan, in glass as though composing poetry.

He closely observed the tension-filled transformation of hot, pliable glass into a cold, solid form, using flame to freeze the flowing shapes and brilliant colors that emerged by chance.By crystallizing the radiance of a fleeting moment into timeless beauty, his work offers viewers a profound sense of wonder and the miracle of light.

biography

  • Graduated from the Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts, specializing in metal hammering
  • Joined Toyo Glass Co., Ltd.
  • Became a member of the Japan Glass Artcrafts Association and was appointed lecturer in packaging design at Kuwasawa Design School
  • Left Toyo Glass to become an independent artist and began creating works at Hokuyo Glass in Aomori
  • Continued to hold solo exhibitions at department stores and galleries throughout Japan
  • Established Ishii Glass Studio Co., Ltd.
  • A commemorative gallery dedicated to his work opened at the Koetsudo Museum of Art in Akita
  • Opened the Aomori workshop of Ishii Glass Studio
  • Featured on NHK’s “Doyō Bi no Asa”

AWARD

  • Special Prize, Seibu Grand Prize Exhibition of CraftsSpecial Prize
  • Japan Package Design Competition—for the silhouette bottle designed for Sanwa Shurui’s “iichiko”Award for Excellence
  • Award for Excellence, Japan Package Design Competition—for the bottle designed for AGF’s “Sumiyaki Coffee
  • His work is included in the collection of the National Crafts Museum, including “Hanakage
  • The retrospective exhibition “Poetry, Seasons and Colors: Koji Ishii—Glass Colors Singing of the Four Seasons” was held at the Aomori Museum of Art
Ceramic Artist Nobuo Ota

Ceramic artistNobuo OTANobuo OTA

introduction

A ceramic artist who creates tableware used at Kokonotsuido, as well as garden paving stones, lamps, umbrella stands, and other pieces at his private pottery studio, “Sue no Sato.”

With an extensive understanding of the characteristics of different clays and glazes, he also produces custom-made gifts and wedding favors.

Through his pottery classes, he introduces many people to the appeal of ceramics through the creative process. His distinctive Sue no Sato works—including high-fired unglazed pieces and maneki-neko figures—are inspired by his daily life: his love of Hayama’s natural surroundings, dogs, and food, as well as collecting pottery fragments from the sea in Kamakura and strolling through its backstreets.

biography

  • Graduated from the Faculty of Education, Chiba University
  • Completed training at the Government Industrial Research Institute, Nagoya, Agency of Industrial Science and Technology
Hiroshi Kanda

ArtistHiroshi KANDAHiroshi KANDA

introduction

Former principal of Zushi Municipal Zushi Elementary School and an educator with 20 years of experience in art education.

At public junior high schools, he taught painting, ceramics, and woodworking, nurturing the creativity of many students.

In 1993, he built a kiln in Misaka, Yamanashi Prefecture, and began offering classes at the “Tōkaan Pottery Studio.”He has organized pottery workshops for schools and local communities, providing opportunities for children, parents, and residents to participate. Last summer, a workshop at Zushi Elementary School attracted more than 150 participants. He continues his work of connecting local communities through art.

biography

  • Specialized in oil painting and expanded into ceramics instruction while exploring innovative approaches to lesson planning
  • After joining Zushi Elementary School, he demonstrated the joy of making things throughout the school
  • Focused on creating a supportive school environment and installed a “den”—a small hut that provided children with a place of their own—on the school grounds
  • After retiring, established and continues to operate “Kanda Handmade Studio” in Kawasaki
Painter Isamu Shimada

PainterIsamu SHIMADAIsamu SHIMADA

introduction

A painter who has developed a distinctive artistic vision over more than 46 years.

After shifting from realism to abstraction, he introduced the concept of “thought painting,” which integrates philosophy and science. Using neutrinos and the concepts of time and space as motifs, he has created works that stimulate the human imagination.

His exploration of universal themes such as eternity and happiness invites viewers to engage in profound contemplation and discover new ways of perceiving, embodying the challenge and innovation of contemporary art.

biography

  • Graduated from the Junior College of Art and Design, Musashino Art University
  • Studied systems theory and value theory, which form the theoretical foundation of his artistic practice
  • Exhibited at the Singapore Art Fair and an international art fair in Shanghai, as well as in Vienna

AWARD

  • Recipient of various awards, including the LM Dutch Aviation Award

ExplorePHOTO HIKE & QUIZ

As you explore the forest and resort grounds, find and photograph the HANZ logos hidden in 11 locations. Be sure to try the quiz along the way!
Be sure to try the quiz along the way!

  • Some logos are located in places other than near the artworks.
  • Not every logo has a quiz.
  • Once you have photographed all the logos, show your photos to a member of staff at the Front Desk. You will receive a participation gift and the answers to the quiz.

*The illustration is for illustrative purposes only.

CreateAUTUMN COLORING

Layer your favorite colors to create
a one-of-a-kind expression of autumn.

Taro and Jiro coloring
  • Please collect your coloring sheet at KURA.
  • We would be delighted to mail your completed coloring postcard for you at the Front Desk. Postage will be charged separately: ¥85 per postcard within Japan or ¥100 overseas.
  • Share your completed coloring artwork on social media with the hashtag #HANZOUTDOORRESORT and receive a special postcard celebrating Taro and Jiro’s first birthday. Please show your post to a member of staff at the Front Desk.

CreateCRAFT EXPERIENCE

Create a wreath using woven fabric from Fujiyoshida and pinecones, or try your hand at ropework.

Capture your memories of HANZ in a handmade piece to take home with you.

  • Please select your materials at KURA.
  • Wreath-making and ropework are ¥550 each, including tax.
  • Share your completed craft on social media with the hashtag #HANZOUTDOORRESORT and receive a special postcard celebrating Taro and Jiro’s first birthday. Please show your post to a member of staff at the Front Desk.

FAQ

Can I participate in the event only, without staying overnight?

This event is a special program exclusively for guests staying at this facility.

Please note that we do not accept participation on a day-trip basis or use of the event venue only.

We invite you to take this opportunity to enjoy a special experience alongside your stay.

Yes, you are welcome to participate on your check-in or check-out day without any issues.

Please enjoy the events before and after your stay as well.

© 2021-2026 HANZ OUTDOOR RESORT.