The Ekin Festival takes place annually on the third weekend of July in Konan City, Kochi Prefecture. It is dedicated to showcasing the unique artworks of Ekin, an esteemed Edo-period painter deeply influenced by kabuki theater. Unlike the more commonly known vibrant summer festival vibes, the Ekin Festival offers a more Halloween-esque atmosphere, providing visitors the opportunity to view chilling and provocative depictions of famous Kabuki scenes by candlelight. Artistic Heritage of EkinHirose Kinzou, or Ekin in Kochi, is famed for his shibai-e byoubu (folding screen paintings), depicting th…