Back Again This Year! Call for Entries: 'Whale da Annuale' – Paint Selected Whale Designs Together at ZAPPA VILLAGE Starting 9/19
Key facts
- Back Again This Year! Call for Entries: 'Whale da Annuale' – Paint Selected Whale Designs Together at ZAPPA VILLAGE Starting 9/19
- ZAPPA Co., Ltd. is once again calling for entries for its participatory art event 'Whale da Annuale (My Whale Design)' at its integrated hub 'ZAPPA VILLAGE'. Selected designs will be painted onto the 12.7m whale monument 'Kujirada Familia' during a collaborative event from September 19–23, 2026.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 17, 2026
Direct answer
ZAPPA Co., Ltd. is once again calling for entries for its participatory art event 'Whale da Annuale (My Whale Design)' at its integrated hub 'ZAPPA VILLAGE'. Selected designs will be painted onto the 12.7m whale monument 'Kujirada Familia' during a collaborative event from September 19–23, 2026.
- Citation
- Back Again This Year! Call for Entries: 'Whale da Annuale' – Paint Selected Whale Designs Together at ZAPPA VILLAGE Starting 9/19 (June 17, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 17, 2026
ZAPPA Co., Ltd. is once again calling for entries for its participatory art event 'Whale da Annuale (My Whale Design)' at its integrated hub 'ZAPPA VILLAGE'. Selected designs will be painted onto the 12.7m whale monument 'Kujirada Familia' during a collaborative event from September 19–23, 2026.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 17, 2026 at 23:23
- 🔍 Collected: June 17, 2026 at 14:33
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 18, 2026 at 14:21 (23h 48m after Collected)
ZAPPA Co., Ltd. (Representative: Aiyu Nosaka, Head Office: 54-7 Ishikura, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture) is launching this year’s call for entries for 'Whale da Annuale (My Whale Design)', a participatory art event held at its integrated headquarters site 'ZAPPA VILLAGE', which began in 2025. Selected entries will be used as designs for a collaborative painting event on the 12.7-meter-long whale-shaped monument 'Kujirada Familia' at ZAPPA VILLAGE (to be held September 19–23, 2026). This is a project where everyone collectively nurtures the 'Kujirada Familia'—a monument that remains perpetually unfinished. Selected works will receive special perks from ZAPPA VILLAGE, as well as opportunities for special exhibitions. Entries are accepted via an online form, the official LINE account, or in person at the venue.
Introduction to Kujirada Familia
Located at the heart of ZAPPA VILLAGE, this large whale monument began as the village chief’s inspiration—an ever-unfinished whale-shaped fountain named 'Kujirada Familia' in homage to the Sagrada Familia. Over the years, Kujirada Familia has transformed through various designs. Its evolving appearance, shaped by the hands of visitors, becomes a memory of that year’s encounters and stories. A perpetually unfinished canvas where creation, observation, and interaction continuously circulate. Kujirada Familia embodies ZAPPA VILLAGE’s philosophy: 'Turn small happiness into big happiness.'
Features of the Project / Event
Realize Your Design Together
Selected designs will be painted collectively from Saturday, September 19 to Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Painting, pasting, and drawing—follow your intuition. This workshop, open to all, invites participants to co-create along the chosen design. Whether parent and child or friends, the moment itself becomes part of the artwork.
Art That Grows Through 'Incompleteness'
'Kujirada Familia' is a large shared canvas that evolves as each year’s time layers upon it. Your creation may become someone else’s discovery, captured in photographs. Create memories and experiences that color your life.
Savor the Lingering Moments of the Entire Village
Photogenic ZAPPA VILLAGE offers a relaxed day where experiences connect seamlessly: fashion shows and workshops using Banshu-ori and Saori weaving (clothing), lunches and sweets made with local ingredients (food), and garden strolls or cotton-spinning experiences supporting employment initiatives (living).
Past Creations
Call for Entries (Excerpt)
Entry Guidelines: https://bit.ly/4etqrun
Submission Theme: 'My Design for Kujirada Familia' (coloring template available)
How to Enter:
① Mail the original (postage at your expense) or bring it in person
② After filling out and submitting the online entry form, add ZAPPA VILLAGE’s official LINE as a friend and send your name and artwork image
Submission Formats:
① Physical Submission: Use the coloring template. Any medium is acceptable.
② Digital Submission: JPEG / PNG / PDF (recommended: 1280px width or more, A4 aspect ratio)
Deadline: Monday, July 20, 2026
Selection Process: Judged by the organizers and selection collaborators
Results Announcement: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Awards: Grand Prize, Mizuno Design Award, Selby Housing Award, and more
Important Notes:
Copyright and related rights of submitted works belong to ZAPPA Co., Ltd. By entering, you agree to the use of your work for publicity, photography, and documentation purposes.
Winners will be invited to the event. Please visit during the event period.
Event Overview / Painting Event
Last Year’s Whale da Annuale in Action
Dates & Hours: September 19 (Sat) – 23 (Wed), 2026, 10:00–15:00
Villagers will collectively paint the selected designs onto Kujirada Familia. Creation begins on the 19th, and a completion unveiling ceremony will be held on the 23rd.
During the event, enjoy additional 'Whale Festival' content. Please come and join us!
Whale Festival Schedule
September 19 (Sat): Handmade Festival / Whale da Annuale Begins
September 20 (Sun): Fashion Show
September 21 (Mon): SDGzappa Day | Flea Market at ZAPPA
September 22 (Tue): Tekopoko Festival | Cotton Festival
September 23 (Wed): Whale da Annuale Completion Unveiling Ceremony
Ceremony and announcement starting at 15:00
Live Music Performance: Live performances by students from Bonish Music Lab, ZAPPA VILLAGE’s music school, who are aspiring to become professionals
Photo Spots: A spectacular photo opportunity as everyone paints together. Across the 1,000-ping site, numerous photogenic spots await. Enjoy a heartwarming day with family, friends, or your partner, capturing memories with the new whale.
Message from the Chief of ZAPPA VILLAGE
I never imagined, when we first started creating 'Kujirada Familia', that it would become something so many people could engage with. Last year, we took our first step as 'Whale da Annuale'. A year has passed. Now, children and world-class artists stand side by side, painting on the whale’s body as a canvas—this art, transcending generations and positions, is about to take another new step this year. In five or ten years, I believe this will surely grow into an annual art festival representing Himeji, where people who love art and nature gather here once a year, sharing heartfelt smiles and creativity. Last year’s first step is becoming this year’s second. Please continue to support this journey.
— Aiyu Nosaka, Village Chief, ZAPPA VILLAGE
Venue / Access
Venue: In front of Kujirada Familia, Central Area, ZAPPA VILLAGE
Address: 54-7 Ishikura, Himeji City, Hyogo 671-2231
Access:
・16-minute walk from 'Futaichi' Station on the JR Kishin Line
・Approx. 2 minutes from 'Himeji-Nishi' IC on the Sanyo Expressway
・Approx. 7 minutes from 'Taishi-Higashi' IC on the Himeji Bypass
Entry and Visit Tips
For Submitters:
Please review the entry guidelines (link above), then either mail or bring your original, or submit information via the entry form and send your artwork image with your name via ZAPPA VILLAGE’s official LINE.
For Visitors / Painters:
Visit ZAPPA VILLAGE from 9/19 to 9/23. Get off at Futaichi Station on the Kishin Line and walk 16 minutes. By car, about 2 minutes from 'Himeji-Nishi IC'. Free parking available for approximately 40 vehicles.
Company / Facility Overview
Operator: ZAPPA Co., Ltd.
Address: 54-7 Ishikura, Himeji City, Hyogo 671-2231
Official Website: https://zappa-village.jp/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zappa_village/
Business Activities: Operating 'ZAPPA VILLAGE', a multifunctional hub in Taishi, Himeji City, featuring women’s clothing made from natural materials, goods, workshops, cafes, and Type B employment support facilities. Also home to a leather workshop, music studio, and dog salon. Operates a day service in Sayo Town. Management philosophy: 'Turn small happiness into big happiness.'
Introduction to Kujirada Familia
Located at the heart of ZAPPA VILLAGE, this large whale monument began as the village chief’s inspiration—an ever-unfinished whale-shaped fountain named 'Kujirada Familia' in homage to the Sagrada Familia. Over the years, Kujirada Familia has transformed through various designs. Its evolving appearance, shaped by the hands of visitors, becomes a memory of that year’s encounters and stories. A perpetually unfinished canvas where creation, observation, and interaction continuously circulate. Kujirada Familia embodies ZAPPA VILLAGE’s philosophy: 'Turn small happiness into big happiness.'
Features of the Project / Event
Realize Your Design Together
Selected designs will be painted collectively from Saturday, September 19 to Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Painting, pasting, and drawing—follow your intuition. This workshop, open to all, invites participants to co-create along the chosen design. Whether parent and child or friends, the moment itself becomes part of the artwork.
Art That Grows Through 'Incompleteness'
'Kujirada Familia' is a large shared canvas that evolves as each year’s time layers upon it. Your creation may become someone else’s discovery, captured in photographs. Create memories and experiences that color your life.
Savor the Lingering Moments of the Entire Village
Photogenic ZAPPA VILLAGE offers a relaxed day where experiences connect seamlessly: fashion shows and workshops using Banshu-ori and Saori weaving (clothing), lunches and sweets made with local ingredients (food), and garden strolls or cotton-spinning experiences supporting employment initiatives (living).
Past Creations
Call for Entries (Excerpt)
Entry Guidelines: https://bit.ly/4etqrun
Submission Theme: 'My Design for Kujirada Familia' (coloring template available)
How to Enter:
① Mail the original (postage at your expense) or bring it in person
② After filling out and submitting the online entry form, add ZAPPA VILLAGE’s official LINE as a friend and send your name and artwork image
Submission Formats:
① Physical Submission: Use the coloring template. Any medium is acceptable.
② Digital Submission: JPEG / PNG / PDF (recommended: 1280px width or more, A4 aspect ratio)
Deadline: Monday, July 20, 2026
Selection Process: Judged by the organizers and selection collaborators
Results Announcement: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Awards: Grand Prize, Mizuno Design Award, Selby Housing Award, and more
Important Notes:
Copyright and related rights of submitted works belong to ZAPPA Co., Ltd. By entering, you agree to the use of your work for publicity, photography, and documentation purposes.
Winners will be invited to the event. Please visit during the event period.
Event Overview / Painting Event
Last Year’s Whale da Annuale in Action
Dates & Hours: September 19 (Sat) – 23 (Wed), 2026, 10:00–15:00
Villagers will collectively paint the selected designs onto Kujirada Familia. Creation begins on the 19th, and a completion unveiling ceremony will be held on the 23rd.
During the event, enjoy additional 'Whale Festival' content. Please come and join us!
Whale Festival Schedule
September 19 (Sat): Handmade Festival / Whale da Annuale Begins
September 20 (Sun): Fashion Show
September 21 (Mon): SDGzappa Day | Flea Market at ZAPPA
September 22 (Tue): Tekopoko Festival | Cotton Festival
September 23 (Wed): Whale da Annuale Completion Unveiling Ceremony
Ceremony and announcement starting at 15:00
Live Music Performance: Live performances by students from Bonish Music Lab, ZAPPA VILLAGE’s music school, who are aspiring to become professionals
Photo Spots: A spectacular photo opportunity as everyone paints together. Across the 1,000-ping site, numerous photogenic spots await. Enjoy a heartwarming day with family, friends, or your partner, capturing memories with the new whale.
Message from the Chief of ZAPPA VILLAGE
I never imagined, when we first started creating 'Kujirada Familia', that it would become something so many people could engage with. Last year, we took our first step as 'Whale da Annuale'. A year has passed. Now, children and world-class artists stand side by side, painting on the whale’s body as a canvas—this art, transcending generations and positions, is about to take another new step this year. In five or ten years, I believe this will surely grow into an annual art festival representing Himeji, where people who love art and nature gather here once a year, sharing heartfelt smiles and creativity. Last year’s first step is becoming this year’s second. Please continue to support this journey.
— Aiyu Nosaka, Village Chief, ZAPPA VILLAGE
Venue / Access
Venue: In front of Kujirada Familia, Central Area, ZAPPA VILLAGE
Address: 54-7 Ishikura, Himeji City, Hyogo 671-2231
Access:
・16-minute walk from 'Futaichi' Station on the JR Kishin Line
・Approx. 2 minutes from 'Himeji-Nishi' IC on the Sanyo Expressway
・Approx. 7 minutes from 'Taishi-Higashi' IC on the Himeji Bypass
Entry and Visit Tips
For Submitters:
Please review the entry guidelines (link above), then either mail or bring your original, or submit information via the entry form and send your artwork image with your name via ZAPPA VILLAGE’s official LINE.
For Visitors / Painters:
Visit ZAPPA VILLAGE from 9/19 to 9/23. Get off at Futaichi Station on the Kishin Line and walk 16 minutes. By car, about 2 minutes from 'Himeji-Nishi IC'. Free parking available for approximately 40 vehicles.
Company / Facility Overview
Operator: ZAPPA Co., Ltd.
Address: 54-7 Ishikura, Himeji City, Hyogo 671-2231
Official Website: https://zappa-village.jp/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zappa_village/
Business Activities: Operating 'ZAPPA VILLAGE', a multifunctional hub in Taishi, Himeji City, featuring women’s clothing made from natural materials, goods, workshops, cafes, and Type B employment support facilities. Also home to a leather workshop, music studio, and dog salon. Operates a day service in Sayo Town. Management philosophy: 'Turn small happiness into big happiness.'
FAQ
What is Whale da Annuale?
A participatory art event where selected whale designs are painted onto a large monument by the community. Held annually, the entire village becomes an art stage.
How can I submit my design?
Submit via online form, then send your artwork image via ZAPPA’s official LINE. Alternatively, mail or bring the original to the venue. Coloring template recommended.
When and where is the event held?
From September 19–23, 2026, at ZAPPA VILLAGE in Himeji, Hyogo. Includes painting sessions, fashion shows, and more.
Can anyone participate?
Yes, submissions and event participation are open to all ages and skill levels. Families and friends are encouraged to join.
Who owns the copyright of submitted works?
Copyright of all submissions belongs to ZAPPA Co., Ltd. Consent for promotional use is required upon entry.