Close to ART: Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum of Art

The Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum of Art is in the town of Shikaoi, on Japan's northern island, Hokkaido Prefecture. The region was cultivated by pioneer farmers in the late 19th century, of which Nissho Kanda was one. He painted as he struggled with the harsh elements of Hokkaido, but passed away at the age of 32. The museum houses the 35 works he created during his decade-long career. His depictions of the lives of farmers and their horses, painted onto huge pieces of plywood, make a powerful impression.