Handa City Museum is presenting a special exhibition titled "The World of Bird Carving: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Wooden Wild Birds," running from June 20 to August 30, 2026. The exhibition brings together approximately 200 domestic and international bird works created by Handa City-based artist Genji Inada through years of trial and error, inspired by the rich natural environment of the Chita Peninsula. Admission is free.
Visitors can get up-close to creatures that have become increasingly rare to spot in the local area in recent years.
During the exhibition period, a range of participatory events will also be held, making it a great opportunity for summer holiday projects and family outings.
Examples of Genji Inada's Works
What Is Bird Carving?
Bird Carving combines Bird and Carving — it is the art of carving wild birds from wood to look strikingly lifelike. Crafted by carving shapes from pieces of wood and then painting them, these works also serve as valuable references for understanding bird classification and ecology.
Exhibition Overview
Period: June 20 (Saturday) to August 30 (Sunday), 2026
Venue: Handa City Museum (4-209-1 Kirigaoka, Handa City)
Admission: Free
Related Events
Bird Carving Demonstration
Artist Genji Inada will give a live demonstration while sharing tips on the creative process and stories about birds.
Date: June 27 (Saturday)
- ① 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM — Elementary school children and their guardians
- ② 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM — General public (junior high school age and above)
Capacity: 30 per session (first-come, first-served)
Registration opens: June 6 (Saturday) at 10:00 AM
Meet Real Birds at the Museum
Visitors can observe Aichi Prefecture's prefectural bird, the Oriental scops owl, as well as long-eared owls, barn owls, parrots, and more up close, and compare them directly with the wooden carved works.
Date: July 19 (Sunday), 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Reservation: Not required
New Species Bird Illustration Contest (Running Throughout the Exhibition)
Participants are invited to freely draw an illustration of an imaginary new bird species, then come up with its name and characteristics. The contest can double as a summer holiday art project or nature study.
Categories: ① Toddlers ② Elementary school students ③ Junior high school students and above
Awards: Top prize (1 per category), Excellent prize (2 per category)
Submission: Fill out the entry form available at the venue or on the museum's website and bring it to the museum reception. (One entry per person)
Other activities during the exhibition period include a quiz rally and craft workshops. All visitors receive an exclusive original postcard as a gift at the museum reception.
Additionally, the Handa City Library, located in the same building as the museum, will set up a special display of bird field guides during the exhibition period, allowing visitors to deepen their knowledge through books after viewing the works.
A Second Career Fueled by Passion
Inada had an interest in making things from his twenties, and while working as an engineer in the electrical industry he also created works in copper plate craft. In 2007, upon retiring, he began teaching himself bird carving as a craft he could pursue at home, and has since created around 200 works.
From the Artist
"All living creatures have characteristics shaped by their habitat and diet. In creating my bird carvings, I always strive to capture those characteristics accurately. When I manage to bring out the lifelike vitality of a bird after much trial and error, it is a truly fulfilling experience as a creator.
In recent years, development has progressed across the Chita Peninsula, and compared to my childhood, there are fewer natural spaces and fewer opportunities to encounter wildlife. I hope this exhibition helps visitors feel closer to these living creatures and sparks an interest in them."
