Explore the World of Ukiyo-e
Japan Art Festival

Thursday & Friday, July 31 & August 1, 12-3 PM
Saturday, August 2, 12-4 PM

Looking for a fun and inspiring experience this summer? Please join us at the Japan Art Festival, a special event where you can deepen your understanding of Japanese art. We will learn more about the process and style of Ukiyo-e, the artwork featured in our remarkable exhibition.

We invite you to take part in our exciting event, where you can explore the Japan Art Festival in a unique and engaging way! Whether you’re a beginner or an enthusiast, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Several unique events throughout the weekend!

Featuring a special guest curator from Japan, visiting the U.S. exclusively for this occasion! Learn fascinating insights about ukiyo-e directly from an expert and join a guided tour to deepen your appreciation of these iconic artworks.

Adding to the atmosphere, enjoy the elegant sounds of the koto, a traditional Japanese instrument, played live to enhance your experience. To make the moment even more special, we will also be offering delicious Japanese sweets—a perfect way to savor the essence of Japanese culture. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to celebrate the beauty of Japan’s artistic heritage. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a lover of Japanese culture, or simply looking for an inspiring experience, the Japan Art Festival promises something special for everyone. We look forward to welcoming you! See the schedule of events below.

Special Guests!
We are pleased to welcome some special guests. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from their insights and expertise!

Noriko Okubo
Noriko Okubo is a member of the International Ukiyo-e Society and specializes in sumo-e: ukiyo-e prints depicting sumo wrestlers. She is an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Okayama University in Okayama, Japan, and also holds a concurrent position as an Associate Professor at the Institute for Civilization Dynamics. Beyond the field of education, she is also dedicated to promoting the beauty of ukiyo-e through lectures, media appearances, and other public engagement activities, contributing to the wider appreciation and understanding of Japanese art.

She earned a Ph.D. in Art Studies from the University of Tsukuba in March 2009, following a Master’s degree in Art Studies from the same institution in March 2006. She is also a member of several academic associations, including the European Association for Japanese Studies (EAJS), the Japanese Art Society of America, the International Ukiyo-e Society, the Japan Art History Society, Japanese Association of Art Education (JAAEd), and the University Art Education Society.

She shares this message with her students:

“All you need to do is see the world, learn, and enjoy as much as possible. My role in the classroom is simply to offer small hints that might help you find joy in art. But above all, I hope that your long journey ahead will be enriched through the beauty of art.”

In the same spirit, through the Japan Art Festival, we invite you to discover a new world of Japan. We hope that this event will bring a touch of beauty and inspiration to your everyday life.

Dr. Susan J. Lee
Susan Lee received her Ph.D. in Japanese art history from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 2003. Her research centers on early modern painting and prints of the Japanese Edo period and the paintings of the Korean Joseon Dynasty with a particular focus on images of women and the complex question of the cultivated courtesan’s artistic agency and power. For the past ten years she has been teaching at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, where she is an associate professor in the art department and the women’s and gender studies and heritage and museum studies programs.

Sarah Coomber
Sarah Coomber is the author of The Same Moon (Camphor Press, 2020), her memoir of trying to outrun heartache by swapping out her wrecked Minnesota life for two years in rural Japan. As she settled into her new home in Yamaguchi, a local club encouraged her to join them in studying and performing the koto (Japanese zither). She later continued her studies and earned her level four certification with Seiha Miyabi Kai School of Koto in Portland, Oregon.

Now living in Moorhead, Coomber does freelance writing and communication projects, coaches writers, teaches workshops and yoga classes, and writes about life in the sandwich generation at http://sandwichseason.substack.com. She has previously worked in public relations, journalism, science writing and advocacy, and has taught university composition. She has an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Eastern Washington University, an MA in Mass Communication/Print Journalism from the University of Minnesota and a BA in Biology from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota.

Miss Konko
Miss Konko is a doll representing the friendship between Japan and the United States. She is typically stored in North Dakota State University’s collection and will be displayed at various events. She will be another of our special guests visiting Plains Art Museum for the Japan Art Festival.

The wonderful story of Miss Konko and other Friendship Dolls exchanged between the United States and Japan began in 1927. Miss Konko was made in Konko Town, Okayama Prefecture and was presented to NDSU. She will be our guest at Plains Art Museum for all three days of the Japan Art Festival.

Those who want to learn more about the story of Miss Konko and her sister Miss Okayama are welcome at this event.

Generous support provided by the North Dakota Soybean Council.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, July 31, 12-3 PM

Meet Miss Konko
Miss Konko is a doll representing the friendship between Japan and the United States. She is part of North Dakota State University’s collection

Stamp Hunting
Collect special Ukiyo-e stamps–only available
during this festival.

Activity Booths
Fun for all ages. Enjoy hands-on activities like origami and coloring, and more.

Friday, August 1, 12-3 PM

Discover Deeper Japan
1-2 PM
Led by Dr. Susan J. Lee
Join a fascinating class that uncovers hidden aspects of Japanese culture. Learn more about the world of geisha—a key theme in the current exhibition—and gain new insights that will deepen your experience of Floating Beauty. Free.

Meet Miss Konko
Miss Konko is a doll representing the friendship between Japan and the United States. She is part of North Dakota State University’s collection

Stamp Hunting
Collect special Ukiyo-e stamps–only available
during this festival.

Activity Booths
Fun for all ages. Enjoy hands-on activities like origami and coloring, and more.

Saturday, August 2, 12-4 PM

Delicious Japan
12-2 PM
Local favorite Heart & Soul will be serving a special Japanese lunch for this day only! Bring your family and friends and enjoy the taste of Japan.

Floating Beauty Special Guided Tour
1-2 PM
Led by Ms. Noriko Okubo
Enhance your visit with a guided tour of Floating Beauty, led by a knowledgeable host who will bring the art and stories to life.
$15 per person. Reservation required. Seats are limited. Register here.

Curator Talk: What Is Ukiyo-e?
2-3 PM
Led by Ms.Noriko Okubo
You’ve seen the exhibition—now dive into the world of ukiyo-e! Guest curator Okubo will give an engaging, beginner-friendly talk about this traditional Japanese art form. Free.

Live Music Performance
3-3:30 PM
Enjoy the beautiful sounds of the koto, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, performed live by Moorhead resident and local writer Sarah Coomber. Free

Meet Miss Konko
Miss Konko is a doll representing the friendship between Japan and the United States. She is part of North Dakota State University’s collection

Stamp Hunting
Collect special Ukiyo-e stamps–only available
during this festival.

Activity Booths
Fun for all ages. Enjoy hands-on activities like origami and coloring, and more.