Outline

In the Koganecho area, the number of illegal brothels reached about 250 in 2004, which caused move-out of old-established shops and local residents from the area, thus degeneration of living environment was becoming a growing problem for the local communities. Under such situation, Hatsunecho-Koganecho Hinodecho Environmental Cleanup Initiative Committee was formed by local residents in November, 2003, and it has mounted efforts to create safe and secure neighborhood in cooperation with the government, police and universities ever since. As the result, the headquarter of the Kanagawa Police Department implemented “Bye-bye” operation to close the business of illegal brothels. Until today, the police is monitoring the area round-the-clock.

In 2008, in cooperation between Keikyu Corporation and Yokohama City, the arts & cultural studios were built, and the art festival, Koganecho Bazaar 2008 was held with an aim of community development through the arts. Since then, the the Bazaar has been held every year in order to create various significance in the area.

Marking its 9th edition, this year the exhibition is composed of two main components: “Art Project”, in which guest artists present works created from their experiences and understandings of the everyday life in Koganecho, and “Town Project”, which renovates former brothels and rediscover the charms of the area together with the local residents. In addition, the artists based in Koganecho present their works throughout the area and a part of the artists’ studios is open to public. The festival links people and locations in the area, and propose possibilities of community development through the arts.