Based in Shiga, we run a jewelry brand using freshwater pearls from Lake Biwa while creating a space where art and people connect through experiences.
Myoju 明珠 — meaning “shining pearl” — is an artist residency rooted in the quiet richness of Shiga, shaped by the nature and deep history of Lake Biwa and the belief that each person carries a unique inner radiance.
Located in Omihachiman, a historic merchant town and home of the Biwako Biennale, about 35 minutes from Kyoto, the residency offers a setting where Western contemporary perspectives meet an Eastern historic landscape.
Alongside the residency, we operate a small gallery café that serves as a gentle meeting point between artists and the local community. Here, artists live, research, create, and engage with their surroundings in an ongoing exchange shaped by intention and meaningful relationships, forming a creative ecosystem where international and local perspectives naturally meet and grow.
We welcome artists working in:
• Visual arts
• Literary arts
• Media/Digital arts
• Curatorial practice
Residency Duration
• Upcoming cohort: Sept 1 – Sept 28, 2026 (fully sponsored by the host)
Artists are responsible for:
• travel
• meals
• insurance
• personal expenses
Residents receive access to:
• Private bedroom
• Private studio
• Shared communal area
• Shared kitchen, bath & toilet
Optional opportunities:
• End‑of‑term exhibition at the gallery café
• Consignment sales at the café after residency
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
We evaluate based on:
• Resonance — why Myoju / Omihachiman is meaningful for your project
• Clarity of intention — what you hope to explore or develop during the residency
• Collaborative ability — ability to work both independently and in a group setting
Due to our small team, only selected applicants will be contacted.