TERU's "箱館国際芸術祭" Takes Shape, Full Launch Set for 2028

An executive committee has been established to promote the "箱館国際芸術祭," a large-scale art project set in Hakodate. GLAY's TERU will serve as executive producer, with a press conference scheduled for October 27 to announce the project's outline. A preliminary event is planned for 2027, with the full-scale event in 2028, aiming to attract around 150,000 visitors.

The Details

On October 20, 2026, the establishment of the "箱館国際芸術祭実行委員会" (Hakodate International Art Festival Executive Committee) and the general incorporated association はこだて国際文化機構 was announced. The structure brings together government, business, and tourism associations, with Hakodate Mayor Oizumi serving as committee chair and GLAY's TERU leading the planning as executive producer.

A press conference to unveil the project's outline is scheduled for October 27. According to reports, the project is positioned as an initiative that integrates art, music, and food while utilizing Hakodate's historic buildings, with a preliminary event in 2027 and the full-scale event in 2028, aiming for approximately 150,000 visitors.

TERU's History with Hakodate Art

TERU has long been dedicated to art activities based in Hakodate. On August 1, 2026, "HAKODATE ART EXHIBITION 2026 Vol.3 “旧市街”," which he himself organizes and produces, was held as a walk-around style art exhibition set in Hakodate's western district, marking its fifth edition.

This accumulated effort appears to have led to the current, larger-scale international art festival concept involving government and business sectors. It seems TERU's long-held feelings for his hometown of Hakodate are now taking shape into something much bigger.

One More Thing

At this point, what has been announced is only the establishment of the committee and the fact that a press conference will be held on October 27. The scale and specific content of the event are expected to be revealed at the conference, so further updates are awaited.

As fans, the first point of interest will be what kind of overview is announced at the October 27 press conference. The timing of the 2027 preliminary event and the 2028 full-scale event are also points worth confirming alongside future detailed announcements.