Cultural Talk Event at HOTEL FORK & KNIFE Miyajima
In March 2026, the newly opened HOTEL FORK & KNIFE Miyajima, operated by FHG HOTELS and GRENNING, invites you to a remarkable cultural retreat experience. A talk event centered on the poignant photo collection "Hiroshima 1958" will be held on September 11th and 12th. The event features renowned entrepreneur and producer, Kengo Nakamoto, the founder of the Hiroshima-based select shop "ref." After engaging discussions, attendees will enjoy a specially curated dinner in the hotel, making this an exclusive cultural experience that does not require an overnight stay to participate.
HOTEL FORK & KNIFE Miyajima: A Unique Retreat Destination
Located at the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shrine, HOTEL FORK & KNIFE Miyajima offers a unique blend of local gastronomy and culture. This hotel combines eco-friendly design by architect and artist Fumihiko Sano with a rich culinary philosophy that embraces the finest ingredients from the Setouchi and Hiroshima regions, prepared with traditional wood-fired techniques. Moreover, the hotel houses "ref. Miyajima," which showcases a handpicked selection of quality goods, creating a space that brings forth new discoveries and enriches guests’ experiences.
The Intersection of French and Japanese Perspectives: "Hiroshima 1958"
The featured photo collection, "Hiroshima 1958," captures the essence of Hiroshima shortly after the atomic bombing through the lens of actress Émmanuelle Riva, who visited the city while shooting the film "Hiroshima Mon Amour". This poignant collection highlights the resilient spirit of Hiroshima's people and their everyday lives in the wake of recovery. The hotel's gallery space, "THE STUDY," will provide a unique opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the photographs while experiencing cinematic visuals and a deeper understanding of the collection.
Engaging Discussions with Experts
The event features a bracket of insightful discussions that provide backgrounds on the creation and editorial philosophies behind "Hiroshima 1958." The dialogue will include Kengo Nakamoto and the photo collection editor, Chihiro Minato, discussing important aspects of documenting Hiroshima’s post-war recovery, the significance of photo mediums, and presenting such a work in a hotel context. Following this, guests will indulge in an exquisite dinner featuring 11 dishes of Hiroshima's local produce, prepared using traditional wood-fire techniques, promising a night of culinary delight.
Event Details
- - Event Name: "Hiroshima 1958" - A Photo Book Communicating Hiroshima's Memory.
- - Venue: HOTEL FORK & KNIFE Miyajima / 1F THE STUDY & 2F Restaurant
- - Speakers: Kengo Nakamoto (ref. / Planning & Curation), Chihiro Minato (Tama Art University Professor / Editor)
- - Date & Time: September 11 (Fri) & 12 (Sat)
- 16:00 Registration / Free Exhibit Viewing
- 17:00 Talk Session
- 18:30 Dinner
- 20:30 Event concludes
- Dinner Price (Non-staying guests): ¥20,000 (tax inclusive)
Drinks not included
- Free Viewing for Hotel Guests
Reservation required for seat preference
About Kengo Nakamoto
Kengo Nakamoto is an entrepreneur and producer who merges fashion with regional culture through his work at the select shop "ref." and as the organizer of "The Trunk Market," which boasts over 20,000 visitors.
About Chihiro Minato
Born in Kanagawa in 1960, Chihiro Minato is a photographer and a professor at Tama Art University. He has extensive experience curating international exhibitions and has won multiple awards for his contributions to photography, including the Japan Photographic Society Award.
About HOTEL FORK & KNIFE Miyajima
Opened in March 2026, the hotel offers a profound cultural retreat experience with 34 rooms overlooking the majestic Itsukushima Shrine. The space is designed with natural materials to provide a serene escape that allows guests to connect with the historical and cultural richness of Hiroshima. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s highlight: a natural hot spring and sauna with a breathtaking view of Miyajima.
For more information, visit
HOTEL FORK & KNIFE.