Overview of Okayama City

Located in the western region of Japan, Okayama City has an area of 789 km2 and a population of 717,000. The City faces Seto Inland Sea, known for its gentle sea, beautiful islands and contemporary art. The Asahi River runs through the centre of the city, which is surrounded by a rich natural and rural landscape of rice fields, wheat, peach and grape orchards spread that mix with the suburbs. This landscape has inspired poets and writers since the 8th century.

Agriculture flourished from the 3rd century, and remains of ancient tombs of powerful families and shrines still remain. From ancient times to the present day, the City has been a transportation hub with a concentration of business, medical care, education and culture. The City has become a centre for academics, attracting approx. 30,000 students to its 10 universities and 3 junior colleges.

In March 2022, Okayama City ratified the “Okayama City Basic Ordinance on the Arts and Culture" to facilitate the comprehensive promotion of the arts and culture. The City and private sectors organise numerous literature promotions such as literary awards. 

Okayama City will open the Okayama Performing Arts Theatre to create innovative arts and unique culture including literature of the City to be imparted to the world from September 2023. 

The Theatre is to replace the "Okayama Civic Hall" and the "Civic Cultural Hall," which have long served as Okayama City's cultural and artistic hub. The Theatre will allow citizens and visitors to see large-scale performances that have never before been seen in Okayama.

Okayama City and the Ishikawa Foundation host an international contemporary art exhibition, “The Okayama Art Summit” every three years. This exhibition attracts almost 180,000 visitors from overseas and other regions in Japan. 

Links

Okayama City Basic Ordinance on Culture and the Arts

https://www.city.okayama.jp/0000037291.html

Okayama City Culture and Arts Promotion Plan

https://www.city.okayama.jp/0000044006.html

Okayama Arts Creation Theater Harenowa

https://okayama-pat.jp/Open in a new window

Okayama City Arts Festival

https://www.city.okayama.jp/kankou/0000031902.html

Okayama International Music Festival

https://www.city.okayama.jp/0000031922.html

Okayama Art Summit

https://www.city.okayama.jp/kankou/category/3-1-4-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.html

Okayama City Literature Award

https://www.city.okayama.jp/bungaku/

Okayama Citizens Literature

https://www.city.okayama.jp/bungei/index.htm