【Daibou Hongyoji × Kitpas】Historic Temple Transforms into a Colorful Art Space! Summer Workshop 'Let's Play with Kitpas' to Be Held on July 19, 2026, Amidst 300 Ringing Wind Chimes

Daibou Hongyoji (host: Chief Priest Kanzu Nakano), a historic temple in Ikegami, Ota Ward, Tokyo, and Nippon Rikagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd. (collaborator), manufacturer of the safe and non-toxic art material 'Kitpas,' will jointly host a special summer vacation event titled 'Let's Play with Kitpas' on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The event aims to make temples more accessible and foster community connections through art.

Amidst the soothing sounds of approximately 300 wind chimes, the temple will offer special access to normally restricted areas such as the 'Main Hall' and 'Room of Final Passing,' along with a variety of art workshops suitable for children and adults. This unique fusion of serene historical ambiance and vibrant Kitpas art will showcase a new, community-oriented charm of the temple.

Background and Story: A Temple's Initiative to Open Its Doors to the Community

Chief Priest Kanzu Nakano of Daibou Hongyoji—a sacred site marking the passing of Nichiren Shonin—has a deep appreciation for art and a strong desire to transform the temple into a welcoming space where people can casually visit and feel connected. Having personally created impressive artworks using Kitpas, his passion led to this collaborative event.

Additionally, certified Kitpas instructors (Ms. Kumiko Kubota, Ms. Noriko Doi, and Ms. Mariko Kumagai) will support the event to encourage the next generation of Kitpas instructors. The day will offer warm, creative, and family-friendly experiences that nurture human connections.

Highlights and Special Programs

- 300 Wind Chimes and Special Access to Historic Buildings

From late June to the end of August, the temple hosts 'Listening to the Coolness of Wind Chimes,' where around 300 chimes greet visitors with their gentle sounds. On the event day, the 'Main Hall' and 'Room of Final Passing' will be specially opened, allowing guests to quietly appreciate remarkable artworks in a solemn atmosphere.

- Special Workshop: 'Sewing the Kasaya Robe for Buddha in India'

A unique, temple-exclusive experiential workshop led by Kiyoshi Kato of 'Kijutsu no Ito,' whose theme is 'Wearing the Forest, Transforming with Nature.' Participants will each sew one stitch into a ceremonial robe to be offered to Buddha’s temple in India, infusing it with personal wishes.

- Windows Turn into Giant Canvases! 'Let’s Draw on the Windows!' (Free Participation)

Leveraging Kitpas’s safe, rice-wax-based formula that can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth, this popular program invites participants to freely draw on the temple’s large windowpanes. A dynamic, one-day-only art experience designed to spark children’s creativity (children under elementary school age must be accompanied by a guardian).

Paid Creative Workshops for Families (Examples)

A rich menu of creative workshops inspired by themes like 'wind chimes' and 'summer patterns' will be available.

- Create a Wind Chime with Kitpas (Rapukkumisuto ①): ¥500 / Ages 3+

Decorate the inside of a wind chime and its tanzaku paper strip to create a one-of-a-kind original piece.

- Summer Patterns with Sizzle Art! (Kyoko, Mamiin): ¥1,000 / All ages

Color and design pre-printed wind chime outlines on MDF boards using Kitpas to create decorative interior art.

- Colorful Watercolor Coasters (Mariko Kumagai): ¥500 / Elementary school age+

Use water to blend Kitpas like watercolor paint, then apply waterproof varnish to complete beautiful, functional coasters.

- Light-Transmitting Art (Nobue3 Art): ¥600 / All ages

Choose from three base designs—wind chime, ice, or cosmos—and create artwork that resembles stained glass when held up to light.

- Create Your One-of-a-Kind Good Luck Card (Kahori Suzuki): ¥1,000 / High school age+

Aligned with the 'strongest lucky day of 2026' (July 19), participants will select colors from color bottles to craft a personal talisman card.

Event Overview

- Event Name: Let's Play with Kitpas (Summer Temple Workshop) - Date and Time: Sunday, July 19, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM - Venue: Daibou Hongyoji (2-10-5 Ikegami, Ota-ku, Tokyo 146-0082) – The temple grounds are freely accessible - Admission: Free (some workshops require a fee) - Organizer: Daibou Hongyoji - Cooperation: Nippon Rikagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.

Access

- 10-minute walk from 'Ikegami Station' on the Tokyu Ikegami Line - 10-minute walk from 'Nishimakimono Station' on the Toei Asakusa Line - 1-minute walk from 'Daibou-mae' bus stop (Ikegami-Jokan Loop Bus), accessible via JR 'Omori Station' (Sanno Exit)

Important Notes

- Please wear clothing that can get dirty.

Media Inquiries

- Contact: Daibou Hongyoji (Contact: Mr. Nakano) - Phone: 03-3752-0155 - Website: https://hongyozi.or.jp/contact/ (Contact Form)