Ryo Inoue Concert and Family Art Programs Announced for 'Kobe Rokko Meets Art 2026 beyond'

Rokko Mountain-Side Communications Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kobe; President: Akitaka Senoo) has announced that the contemporary art festival "Kobe Rokko Meets Art 2026 beyond" will be held on Mt. Rokko from August 29 to November 29, 2026. This edition places a strong emphasis on engaging the next generation through several specialized initiatives for children.

Key Highlights for Children: 1. Ryo Inoue Concert: A performance titled "Let's Meet in Kobe!" by Ryo Inoue, the popular creator behind NHK E-Tele’s "Bijutune!," will take place on September 12 at the Kobe Fashion Museum. Early lottery applications begin June 15 via the Asoview platform. 2. Free Admission Campaign: A limited invitation for 2,000 children aged 4 to 12 to receive free admission passports. Applications open June 1 on a first-come, first-served basis, requiring an accompanying guardian with a valid passport. 3. Interactive Children’s Programs: Every Sunday during the festival, workshops such as "New Rokko Souvenirs" by Kazuya Taoka and "Drawing Together" by meju will allow children to experience art through their five senses. Additionally, the Big Mouth Brass Band will lead interactive jazz parades.

The festival will feature works by numerous renowned artists, including a special deposit piece by Yayoi Kusama, alongside works by Yoshitomo Nara, Yoshiaki Kaihatsu, and many others across various venues like the ROKKO Forest Sound Museum and Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden. Nighttime exhibitions, "Hikari no Mori," will also be held on weekends and holidays starting September 19.