Starting October 1 (Thursday), 2026, NASU SENBONMATSU FARM in Nasushiobara, Tochigi, is holding a new hands-on art program, the "Hikari no Sukashie" workshop. Kitpas, an art material made from rice that is gentle on both the environment and the body, is used in the workshop with support from its maker, 日本理化学工業株式会社.
Visitors draw vividly with Kitpas on transparent film or sheets, and when the finished piece is held up to the light, it shines through like stained glass. The activity is open to everyone from children to adults, regardless of age or drawing skill. Set against the wide open scenery of the farm, the workshop offers a creative break where visitors can feel the arrival of autumn and the changing of the seasons.
Three Highlights of the "Hikari no Sukashie" Workshop
A beautiful result for anyone, with no need for drawing skills
The workshop uses pre-designed outlines and transparent sheets, so everyone from young children to older adults can easily complete a colorful, stained-glass-style artwork. The workshop space has 15 counter seats facing the natural scenery of Senbonmatsu Terrace, so visitors can take part regardless of the weather, offering a new way to spend time at the farm.
Safe to use, thanks to Kitpas made from rice wax
The workshop uses Kitpas, an art material whose main ingredient is rice wax and which is gentle on both the environment and people. Its vivid colors and smooth blending let visitors enjoy the moment the artwork lights up when held against the sun or natural light.
Memories of NASU SENBONMATSU FARM's nature and seasons, turned into art
Limited-edition designs featuring the farm's scenery and seasonal motifs are available, and various animals are hidden in the artworks.
Finished pieces can be taken home as they are. Displayed on a window sill or in a room at home, they bring back memories of the trip to the farm along with the light.
The designs mainly feature animals from the farm's popular "Doubutsu Fureai Hiroba" (どうぶつふれあい広場, the animal interaction area). There are five designs in total: alpaca, horse, sheep, cow, and rabbit. Collecting all five lets visitors enjoy them as one connected artwork.
Event Details
Event name: Senbonmatsu Farm "Hikari no Sukashie" Workshop
Dates: From October 1 (Thursday), 2026
Venue: "Wakuwaku Taiken Kobo" (わくわく体験工房) at NASU SENBONMATSU FARM
Address: 799 Ikkucho, Nasushiobara, Tochigi
Activity: Create a "Hikari no Sukashie" using Kitpas and paper-cut designs by Teppei Hayakawa (five designs in total: alpaca, horse, sheep, cow, and rabbit)
Who can join: Everyone, from young children to adults and seniors
Duration: About 15 to 30 minutes
Fee: ¥1,000 (tax included) per sheet
How to join: Register on site on the day. No advance reservation is required. The workshop ends once the materials run out.
Website: https://www.senbonmatsu.com/
Anyone can easily make a one-of-a-kind artwork with "Hikari no Sukashie."
Collaborating Artist
Paper-cut artist Teppei Hayakawa
Born in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, and now living in Maibara, Shiga. Having grown up in a mountain village and become familiar with nature and wild animals in childhood, Hayakawa began expressing animals and nature through paper-cut art. Hayakawa has worked on exhibitions across the country, space decoration, and product design, and has drawn attention for a delicate worldview full of respect for nature.
About Kitpas
Kitpas, made by 日本理化学工業株式会社, is a writing tool whose main ingredient is rice wax, making it gentle on both users and the environment. It can be drawn on smooth surfaces such as glass and mirrors and wiped off with water, and using a water brush makes watercolor-like effects possible. Thanks to its safety and low environmental impact, it is widely used in educational facilities and workshops across Japan, and professional artists use it as well.
