Ellie Omiya's 2015 Painting 'Cliff of the Ainu Gods' Returns to Its Birthplace at Lake Kuttari, Hokkaido

The GANKE FES Executive Committee (Shintoku, Hokkaido) is launching the 'Return to GANKE' project to bring the painting 'Cliff of the Ainu Gods,' created by Ellie Omiya at the 2015 GANKE FES, back to its original location at the shores of Lake Kuttari. The project will take place on July 4, 2026, during 'GANKE FES 2026,' which marks the festival's 10th anniversary.

The painting (180cm x 364cm), created by the late Ellie Omiya (who passed away in April 2025), was produced live on stage during the July 2015 festival, accompanied by a ukulele performance by Kiyosaku (MONGOL800 / UKULELE GYPSY). This was Omiya's first live painting experience at a music festival, and the work has since been stored in Tokyo.

In conjunction with this project, a crowdfunding campaign is being held on READYFOR starting May 29, 2026. Funds raised will cover transportation, preservation, installation, and documentation. The project follows an 'All-In' model, meaning the return will proceed even if the funding goal is not met. Additionally, Kiyosaku, who shared the stage with Omiya in 2015, will return to perform at GANKE FES 2026.

After being returned to the cliffside during the festival, the artwork is scheduled to be permanently displayed at the adjacent Yuyado Kuttari Onsen Lake Inn.