Ekin Museum

A small museum in Konan dedicated to Ekin (1812-1876), a Tosa painter expelled from the official Kano school who went on to produce some of the most striking folk art in Japanese history. His large festival screens, painted with kabuki scenes, samurai battles, and supernatural horror, were designed to be displayed by candlelight during summer festivals. The museum recreates this flickering, atmospheric viewing experience. The blood-red compositions feel startlingly modern. Each July, the nearby Akaoka district hangs original Ekin screens outdoors during the Ekin Festival, returning his work to its intended firelit, street-level setting.