Works
Artist Share House
Artist share house "Awai Ikemizu-tei"
A place to be with your art
An artist-share-house — with a warehouse studio you’re free to get messy in.
No fixed genre. No fixed length of stay.
It’s a place where you can do what you can only do here.
A place to truly face what you want to create.
Introducing Awai’s Artist-share-house
The representative director, Ito, first experimented with running an artist-in-residence program during her time as a member of the Regional Revitalization Corps.
Since then, a total of seven artists have stayed and created their work here. Through those experiences, we realized something important — there are artists who long for a place where nature is close and creation can breathe.
And I (Ito) am one of those artists myself.
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I want to create while feeling nature close by.
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I want a quiet place where I can focus.
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I want to work in an environment that’s different from my everyday life.
Ikemizu-tei is located in a rural area often referred to as a depopulating village — surrounded by empty houses and quiet fields.
You can make sound. You can work late into the night. No one will complain. If you’re someone who is searching for that kind of freedom to create, this place might speak to you.
Yes, it’s the countryside — there are insects. Sometimes wild animals. We renovated this old traditional house ourselves, so there are still parts that remain worn and imperfect.
But what we do have here is environment — space, time, air, and the possibility to do anything, if you choose to.
If that kind of place sparks something in you, I hope this message finds you.
Eligibility / Who This Residency Is For
① Someone who is actively engaged in artistic or creative work — in any form of expression or production.
② All genres, nationalities, individuals, and collectives are welcome. (※Basic communication in Japanese is appreciated for interacting with local residents.)
③ Applicants must be 18+. However, even if legally an adult, those who are still in high school or under the guardianship/control of a guardian or institution are not eligible.
④ Someone who values interaction and connection with the local community.
⑤ Someone who can follow basic house rules and maintain a positive relationship with other residents.
⑥ Someone who can live cooperatively in a shared environment with consideration and respect for others.
Use & Facilities
Each resident is provided with two spaces:
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One private room for living
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One studio section inside the warehouse for production and creation
Please note that rooms cannot be chosen.
For reference, see the layout in the attached document “Ikemizutei Floor Plan.”
Duration
Minimum stay: 1 month
Fee
30,000 JPY / month
(Fee starts being charged from the month you move in, regardless of move-in date)
Included in the Fee
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One private room for living
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One studio section (atelier) in the warehouse
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Use of shared/common areas
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Internet (High-speed Starlink connection)
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Electricity, water, gas, and septic system fee
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Bedding for one person
Notes
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Consumable items (such as toiletries, paper goods, etc.) must be prepared individually by each resident.
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One shared car is available at Ikemizutei. Please coordinate usage among residents.
※Fuel costs and insurance are the responsibility of the user. -
Each private room has a lock, but residents are fully responsible for managing their own valuables.
Others
Facilities Available at Awai Ikemizutei
Shared Spaces
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Hair dryer
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Air conditioner (in common area and private rooms)
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Cooking utensils and tableware
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Heating equipment (in common area and private rooms)
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Refrigerator (in common area and warehouse)
Private Rooms
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Bedding (1 set per room)
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Folding desk
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Clothes rack
Other
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One shared car (light vehicle)
Notes & Important Information
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Residents are kindly asked to make their studios and works open for occasional visitor tours whenever possible.
You will be notified in advance if a visit is scheduled. -
Meetings may be held, especially within the first 1–2 months after moving in.
These meetings are opportunities to discuss daily life at Ikemizutei, share any concerns, and exchange ideas about your projects. -
The Awai office (General Incorporated Association Awai) may occasionally invite residents to participate in local events or exhibitions.
Participation is entirely optional — please feel free to decide for yourself. -
The atelier (studio space) is located inside an old warehouse.
Depending on your practice or materials, there may be some limitations, so please consider carefully before applying. -
The residence is surrounded by nature, which means insects and sometimes wild animals may appear.
Please be aware if you are sensitive to such environments. -
Awai Ikemizutei is maintained under self-management by residents, with support from the Awai office.
We ask everyone to cooperate, communicate openly, and help keep the space comfortable for all. -
If the management determines that a resident’s behavior is inappropriate for the community, they may be asked to leave.
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Upon departure, residents are requested to perform basic restoration of their room and studio area, as stated in the usage agreement.
Application / How to Apply
Please read the Application Guidelines carefully before applying.
Applicants are asked to submit the following materials by post or email:
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The application form
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A portfolio or file of past works (any format is acceptable)
Applications will close once all rooms are filled.
For the most up-to-date information about availability, please contact us.
After reviewing your documents, we will contact all applicants to schedule an online interview.
Final results will be announced within two weeks after the interview.
Submission Address
Awai Ikemizutei
4149-5 Kawahara, Tashiro,
Kinkō-chō, Kimotsuki-gun,
Kagoshima 893-2402, Japan
FAQ
Q. What does “connection with the local community” mean?
A. It can take many forms — such as joining local events, participating in community clean-ups, or creating and presenting your work in ways that engage with the town.
There is no single correct way. We simply hope each resident will build and cherish their own form of connection, in a way that feels natural to them.
Q. What kind of place is the warehouse studio?
A. The studio is located in a former cowshed, a two-story wooden building with no insulation.
It directly reflects changes in temperature and humidity, so please take care when storing or displaying your work.
The use of specific areas inside the warehouse is decided through discussion among residents.
Q. Can multiple people apply or stay together?
A. It may be possible depending on room availability in the share house.
Please note that each private room is about 4.5 tatami mats (approx. 7 m²) in size, so it may not be suitable for multiple people.
If you wish to share a room, please contact us to discuss the details.
At Awai Ikemizutei, up to three artists (or artist teams) share life together in a traditional Japanese house (kominka).
Before you apply, please make sure there is no mismatch between the living/working environment we provide and the conditions you personally need. We encourage you to carefully review the details before submitting your application.
Studio Conditions (Warehouse)
The atelier (production space) is a two-story warehouse with no heating or air-conditioning.
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Summer (July–August): very hot and humid
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Winter (December–February): very cold
Please plan your practice, materials, and storage with these conditions in mind.
For more details about the environment, please see the “Ikemizutei Floor Plan” or arrange a site visit in advance.
If you cannot travel, we can also offer an online tour—feel free to contact us.