Born in Edo (present-day Tokyo), Uncho moved to Echigo Province in what is now Niigata Prefecture when he was in his 30s to create artworks for temples in Sanjo, Uonuma and other areas.

This latest installment, the 15th, is themed on “the sea of Echigo Province” (present-day Niigata Prefecture). The zany straw sculptures intended to entertain visitors are of a “toki ...