Criteria

Expected Outcomes


Participants in the AKIYA AIR 2025 programme are expected to immerse themselves deeply in the cultural, historical, and material contexts of Yunotsu and the wider Iwami region. Through engagement with local residents, craftspeople, and landscapes, they will carry out research and creative exploration that responds to the unique character of the area.

The outcomes will vary depending on each participant’s discipline and approach—ranging from visual or spatial works, films, material experiments, and written essays, to conceptual or design-based proposals. Regardless of form, all outcomes should reflect a meaningful connection to the region and demonstrate the participant's response to their experience.

In addition to sharing their process and results during a final presentation in Yunotsu for the local community and stakeholders, participants will also take part in a follow-up presentation at the Dutch Embassy in Tokyo. Their work will be further showcased at the MONO JAPAN Fair in the Netherlands in January 2026, offering an international platform to share the impact of their residency.

Participants are also asked to contribute to the maintenance and care of the living and working spaces during their stay, reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and revitalisation that defines the AKIYA AIR programme.

Desired Participant Profiles

Research-oriented Creatives

Participants who are committed to deep, immersive research into local culture, craft, history, and landscape, with a strong interest in working collaboratively with local people and knowledge holders.

Artists / Designers Creating Three-Dimensional Works

Those who can translate their research into tangible outcomes, such as sculptures, installations, or spatial works—ideally incorporating local materials (earth, wood, tile, etc.).

Architects or Spatial Practitioners

Professionals interested in traditional Japanese carpentry (miyadaiku), vernacular construction techniques, and rural architectural heritage, who can explore these through contemporary design or conceptual proposals.

Craft-based or Material-focused Artists

Artists with a background in ceramics, earthwork, or material studies who are interested in working with soil, clay, plaster (sakan), or tile (kawara)—especially those open to experimental processes rooted in traditional techniques.

Filmmakers / Photographers / Documentarians

Creators who focus on capturing and interpreting local narratives, craftsmanship, and environment through visual storytelling, potentially producing a lasting cultural record of the residency.

Cultural Anthropologists / Curators / Writers

Individuals skilled in interpreting local knowledge and context, capable of presenting research outcomes in forms such as essays, exhibitions, or collaborative publications.

Application

Relevant Field

  • Local, social, community and historical research

  • Art, design and architecture

  • Food (Participation applications for food-related topics may also be submitted upon request)

Period of Open Call

Monday, 2nd June - Friday, 11th July 2025  (UTC + 2 CET)

Notification of selected artist

Stichting MONO JAPAN will notify the selected artist by email on Friday, 1 August 2025. The announcement is scheduled for the same date.

Basic Residency Period

Maximum period: 1st October 2025 – 24th December 2025

Selection of Finalists

Finalists will be notified by email from Stichting MONO JAPAN on 16 July 2025

Final presentations in Japan

A public presentation will take place on Friday, 19 December 2025 in Yunotsu, and 22 December 2025 at at the Dutch Embassy in Tokyo.

Number of Residents Accepted

2 - 3 artist/researcher's group consists of a maximum of 3 persons

Final Selection

Period for online interviews: between 17 - 29 July 2025

Judging Panel & Advisory Board

MUJUN (Coelacanth Shokudou. LLC)
MONO JAPAN Foundation
Satoyama Install

The open call is between Monday, 2 June and Friday, 11 July 2025  (UTC + 2 CET).

Please apply using the application form below button.

Application Requirements

The applicant must have professional experience in a design or an art field; this program is not open to students. Participants must reside in Japan for the duration of the program. Apart from receiving technical guidance, applicants are expected to be self-sufficient in their daily life in Yunotsu. The applicant should have respect for local culture, history and people.

The following requirements must also be met while on the programme.

  • Arrange for any accident insurance coverage required for the duration of their stay in Japan before visiting Japan.

  • Understand that in principle, family members cannot accompany the designer during their stay.

  • Cover the expenses required for the program (including travel, production and living expenses, etc.) independently, with the aid of a subsidy

  • Being able to communicate in English or Japanese.

  • Must be located in Shimane Prefecture for the period of the program.

  • Donate one sample of their work at the end of the residency to Yunotsu or Oda city.

  • Be able to participate in residency events organised by MUJUN, such as presenting their work, presentation, or hosting open studios.

The applicant must

  • Understand the purpose of your stay and the program itself, committing to stay for the entire period (excluding Saturdays and Sundays).

  • Being free from restrictions on any occupational activities during the stay.

  • Be able to live together with other residents (1-3 people) during the period of the stay.

  • Be in good health.

Available Support & Services

  • Communication Support (English and Japanese)

  • Project Planning Support and production advice

  • Facilitation of cultural exchange

  • Provision of a passenger car at no charge (excluding fuel expenses)

  • Provision of 3 bicycles at no charge for daily commuting between housing and work

  • Free use of equipment, materials, and tools at MUJUN Workshop Yunotsu

Example: Rental car company in Yunotsu

Creator’s Expense

Travel expenses home to Yunotsu round trip

  • Production costs (depending on the creator’s plan)

  • Material costs (materials needed for creating artworks that are not available at MUJUN Workshop Yunotsu, depending on the creator’s plan)

  • Living expenses (food expenses roughly – 30,000-50,000 yen per month)

  • Work transportation cost (from Yunotsu to any place)

  • Fuel expenses for usage

  • Transportation expenses (domestic travel, etc.)

  • Other miscellaneous costs

* indicates fixed cost

The open call is between Monday, 2 June and Friday, 11 July 2025  (UTC + 2 CET).

Please apply using the application form below button.