Okayama Naoyuki and Keyaki no Tami

Okayama Naoyuki
Oguni-based artist Okayama creates works that encourage public participation and make subtle changes to the fabric of everyday life. Also known as Rainbow Okayama, he frequently leads workshops at elementary schools and museums. Between 1992 and 2006 he spearheaded local initiatives such as the Artist Camp (1992–2000) and OGUNI Art Club (2001–06), and today operates the gallery space Nanairo. A long-time collaborator of the Sakamoto Zenzo Museum of Art, he served as the inaugural facilitator for the ZENZO Art Club, and participated in the museum’s “20th Anniversary Thanksgiving” (2015). Rainbow Okayama continues to inspire the next generation through annual creative workshops at Oguni Elementary School.

Keyaki no Tami
A local residents’ group in the town of Oguni operating under the name Oguni Machinami Daisukikai. Driven by a desire to preserve the landscapes they love, the group is dedicated to local townscape conservation. Based in the Miyahara Ichibangai district of Oguni, they organize seasonal events such as the Oguni Marche market, and also help to maintain the health of the local environment through ongoing projects to keep waterways clean.