The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, held every three years since 2000 in Echigo-Tsumari (Tokamachi City and Tsunan City, Niigata Prefecture), one of Japan's snowiest regions, will run for 51 days from July 29 to September 17, 2018. The general director is art director Fram Kitagawa, who continues to work to connect community development and art. This article explores the ETAT's fundamental philosophy, which states that "humans are part of nature." The ETAT aims to uncover the inherent value of the region, enhance its appeal, and pave the way for its revitalization. The triennale is comprised of five areas. The first highlight is "Hojoki: A Private Diary of an Architect and an Artist," an exhibition centered around the Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art, KINARE, showcasing a residence, studio, shop, gallery, and other works all housed in a space measuring just four and a half tatami mats (hojo). Starting with Kamo no Chomei's abbot's chambers, Ryokan's Gogoan, and Miyazawa Kenji's Ihatov, the exhibition will explore the role of architecture and the power of art in the modern world. In conjunction with this exhibition, the Echigo-Tsumari Cultural Hall will host a special concert featuring music by composer Shibata Minao, produced by musician Kobayashi Takeshi. The second highlight is an exhibition of 50 contemporary artworks set in Echigo-Tsumari, a region where the satoyama lifestyle still thrives and connects with the land through agriculture. Under the condition that the local community be allowed to create artworks on private property, works by artists such as Leandro Erlich, Isobe Yukihisa, Asada Hajime, Ma Yansong/MAD Architects, Lee Bul, Christian Boltanski, Santiago Sierra, and Nicolas Dallot will be exhibited in abandoned schools and vacant houses. Other planned events include the "Blessings of the Earth Project," which will feature exhibits on permaculture (sustainable agriculture) and the creation of a cultural platform; exhibitions at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale's residence facilities by long-term visitors and supporters from Hong Kong, China, and Australia; and a lunch menu on the theme of "Echigo-Tsumari Food" supervised by Chef Fumio Yonezawa for the official tour. "The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale aims to transform tourism into a 'feeling of happiness.' From sight-seeing to feeling happiness. We hope the vitality of the local elderly will inspire others," said Fram Kitagawa. Tickets will be sold as passports, and two guided day-trip official tours will be offered daily. Visitors can also obtain an art appreciation passport through hometown tax donations, and the official guide app "ON THE TRIP" (fees apply) will be available, allowing visitors to view venue maps and art guides on their smartphones.