Clean Activity Day in Sobo, Katamuki and Okue UNESCO Biosphere Reserve ❚ Held on November 3, 2026 The event "Clean Activity Day in Sobo, Katamuki and Okue UNESCO Biosphere Reserve" will take place at the site of Hase Elementary School in Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. This initiative is a cleaning activity held in conjunction with "International UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Day". It aims to protect the rich nature of the Sobo, Katamuki and Okue UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in collaboration with local residents. No prior registration is required. Gloves, litter pickers, and garbage bags will be provided by the organizers, so please come in comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. You will receive original goods in exchange for the collected trash. We look forward to your participation. 【Date】 November 3 (Tuesday, holiday) from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM (Registration from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM) *The event will proceed in light rain; it will be canceled in case of severe weather. 【Location】 Site of Hase Elementary School (1298-3 Kuromatsu, Inukai Town, Bungoono City) 【Fee】 Free (No prior registration needed) 【Access】 Approximately 30 minutes by car from Oita Mera IC ▶ Inquiries about the event Bungoono City Commerce and Tourism Division Phone: 0974-22-1117 ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ Approximately 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The 18th Oita Asian Sculpture Exhibition ❚ Held from October 18 to November 23, 2026 The 18th Oita Asian Sculpture Exhibition will be held at the Asakura Fumio Memorial Cultural Hall in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Among the 275 submitted works from 14 countries and regions, including Japan, 31 selected pieces will be displayed. This exhibition allows visitors to compare expressions from creators of different countries and cultures all at once. At the same venue, the "Oita Children's Sculpture Exhibition" featuring works by elementary and junior high school students from Oita Prefecture, as well as children and students from special support schools, will also be held. All submitted works will be displayed. On the opening day, October 18 (Sunday), there will be an opening event at the Asakura Fumio Memorial Park. Following the opening ceremony and the award ceremony for the children's sculpture exhibition, various activities are planned, including food trucks, a flea market, a light truck sauna experience, a tea ceremony in the open air, and a kagura performance. Admission to the Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum will also be free on this day. Why not find your favorite piece at the sculpture exhibition? 【Date】 From October 18 (Sunday) to November 23 (Monday, National Holiday) *Closed on Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, the following weekday will be closed) 【Location】 Asakura Fumio Memorial Cultural Hall (1587-11 Ikeda, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture; within Asakura Fumio Memorial Park) 【Hours】 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) 【Admission】 Free 【Access】 About 60 minutes by car from Oita Meira IC 【Parking】 Available (free) 【Opening Day Event Schedule】 On October 18 (Sunday), there will be an opening event at Asakura Fumio Memorial Park 10:00 AM - Opening ceremony and children's sculpture exhibition award ceremony 11:00 AM - Food trucks, flea market (Yasuragi Chaya), light truck sauna experience, tea ceremony in the open air 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Kagura performance 【Contact】 Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum 0974-72-1300 ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Event Announcement 📣 The "49th Makubetsu Industrial Festival," one of the two major autumn festivals in Makubetsu Town, will be held on Sunday, October 4th 😊 This event celebrates the autumn harvest. On the day, the festival will kick off with a spectacular performance by the Makubetsu Cultural Club featuring the "Hōjō Taiko" drums ✨✨ The stage will showcase performances by the Makubetsu Junior Jazz School and the Satsunai Junior High School Brass Band 🎵 Additionally, enjoy a fun impersonation show by Kame-chan, as well as a luxurious stage featuring trumpet performances and songs with talk by Nobuyoshi Kuwano 🎵🎵 Moreover, there will be a "Park Golf Enjoyment Tournament," unique to Makubetsu Town, the birthplace of park golf! In addition, there will be plenty of activities for everyone, from children to adults, including a fire truck display, fire extinguishing experience, and the "Hokkaido Vintage Car Festival" 😍 Other attractions include a fresh vegetable sale by the local agricultural cooperative, tastings and sales of Makubetsu beef, as well as a festival organized by the Chamber of Commerce Youth Division, featuring games that everyone can participate in and enjoy. Additionally, those who participate in JA Makubetsu's "Vegetable Packing Challenge" will receive a carton of milk as part of the milk consumption expansion campaign!‼ We invite you to come out with your family 🤗 🔶Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:20 PM 🔶Location: Special venue in front of the Makubetsu Town Centennial Memorial Hall *The event will proceed even in light rain. 🔶Contact Information 49th Makubetsu Industrial Festival Executive Committee Office (Makubetsu Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0155-54-6606 (Monday to Friday) TEL: 0155-54-2111 (Weekends and Holidays) http://www.makubetsu.jp/kankobussankyokai/?p=8613...

【🪭The Arayama Dance Took Place✨】 On September 27th, the "Arayama Dance," which is registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, was held✨ Unfortunately, it rained heavily, so this year the performance took place indoors at the Arayama Hall, but there were many guests at the venue!👏 Being indoors allowed for a closer distance between the performers and the audience, creating a warm and lively atmosphere filled with cheers and laughter throughout the day☺️✨ In the morning, the children from Sakamoto Elementary School also participated in the drumming and performances🥁 Additionally, students from Gokase Secondary School energized the venue in their traditional outfits! Moreover, the students spontaneously joined in the Arayama Dance🤩 It was heartwarming to see the dancers teaching while dancing, and by the end, everyone was able to dance! The sight of generations dancing together was truly delightful☺️💕 The Arayama Dance involves many roles, with various songs, dances, and complex rhythms. While we felt the tradition passed down through long practices, there were also moments of interacting with the audience, switching roles, and hearing shouts like "Lift your feet higher!" and "Keep going from here!"…😂 And when the "monkey" approached the children, picking them up and patting their heads with a fan, cries could be heard from all around🤣🐒 (It seemed a bit scary for the kids. Haha) While the vibrant costumes look beautiful under the blue sky, the closeness and warm interactions between the performers and the audience created a unique scene that was perhaps only possible on a rainy day😌🌿 Despite the rain, this year's Arayama Dance was filled with many smiles and excitement. We were able to witness how the community cherishes and passes this tradition on to the next generation✨ Thank you to all the performers and everyone who came out in the rain! You truly did a great job!👏✨

Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, September 27th, the 51st Urahoro Furusato Minori Festival will be held! 😊 This event is a grand harvest festival celebrating the autumn bounty of crops. The day will kick off with a spectacular opening show by the Urahoro Junior High School Brass Band and Miracle Beans. ✨ On stage, we will present a musical show featuring Junretsu and Fujii Kaai. 🎵🎵 Additionally, there will be exciting events such as the annual "Minori Maki" (mochi throwing) with luxurious prizes, a thrilling "Autumn Flavor Catching" contest, and a stamp rally with local specialties to win! 😍 There will also be fun activities for children, including firewood splitting, woodworking crafts, and a ride-along experience in a high-altitude work vehicle!‼ Local gourmet foods and food trucks will gather at the venue, allowing you to enjoy delicious menus. Moreover, we will hold a photo campaign where you can win Urahoro local products by submitting photos taken during the festival. We invite you to come with your family and friends! 🤗 【Important Request】About the mochi for Minori Maki The popular "Minori Maki" has seen instances where collected mochi are being discarded in large quantities at garbage stations. This mochi is handmade with care by the townspeople, who put in great effort to prepare it for everyone. We kindly ask that you take the mochi you collect home with you and enjoy it deliciously. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 🔶Date and Time: September 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:20 PM *Rain or shine 🔶Venue: Urahoro Forest Park 🔶Parking: Due to congestion in parking areas near the venue, please use the free shuttle bus from Urahoro Town Hall. 🔶Contact: Urahoro Tourism Association TEL: 015-576-2181 (within the Industry Division of the Town Hall) https://www.urahoro.jp/administration/?content=3447...

Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, September 27th, the 23rd Shintoku New Soba Festival will be held! 😊 The highlight of the Shintoku New Soba Festival is the opportunity to enjoy the "four freshly prepared soba"—"freshly harvested," "freshly milled," "freshly made," and "freshly boiled!" At the "Soba Yatai Village," local soba shops and soba-making groups will gather 🎵 Each shop will offer fragrant new soba with their specially crafted dipping sauces and toppings✨✨ In addition to soba, you can also savor local specialties such as "Shintoku Chicken Grilled over Charcoal" and "Grilled Shiitake Mushrooms." After your meal, indulge in desserts like crepes made with buckwheat flour and rich soft serve ice cream, fully experiencing the flavors of Shintoku! 😍 Also, the festival's traditional "Wanko Soba Competition" will be held this year! 🎵 Teams of two (one eater and one server) will compete to see how many bowls they can eat in two minutes. 🔸Competition Time: Starts at 11:30 on the day 🔸How to Participate: Registration starts at 10:00 on the day *Registration takes about one hour, and participation as a pair is required. Solo participation is not allowed. If there are many applicants, a lottery will be held. Thank you for your understanding in advance. 🔸Categories: Parent-Child Pair (6 pairs; children must be elementary school age or younger) Adult Pair (12 pairs) This is a great opportunity to enjoy delicious new soba in a fun way! Why not team up with your child, friends, or family to participate? We look forward to seeing you all! 🤗 🔶Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 10:00 to 14:00 *The event will proceed rain or shine 🔶Venue: Shintoku Town Health and Welfare Center "Nagomi" Front Parking Lot 🔶Parking Information ・Temporary Parking Lot 1 (for Asahikawa direction): Shintoku Sports Park Athletic Stadium (No shuttle bus) ・Temporary Parking Lot 2 (for Obihiro direction): Hokkaido Shintoku High School (Free shuttle bus available every 10 minutes) Shuttle Bus: (Parking Lot → Venue) First bus at 9:10, last bus at 14:20 (Venue → Parking Lot) First bus at 9:20, last bus at 14:30 ・Temporary Parking Lot 3 (for disabled persons): Behind Shintoku Town Hall (Limited spaces available) 🔶Contact: Shintoku New Soba Festival Executive Committee Office (Shintoku Town Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0156-64-0522 https://www.shintoku-town.jp/sangyou_kankou/kankou/shinsoba/...

Makomo and Bamboo Autumn Festival in Hase District ❚ Held on September 27, 2026 The "Makomo and Bamboo Autumn Festival in Hase District" will take place in Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Makomo (the Japanese bulrush) is a perennial grass from the rice family, traditionally used for food, crafts, and rituals. The swollen part of its stem is called Makomodake and is edible. The Makomo displayed at the venue has been cultivated on previously abandoned farmland. Compared to rice cultivation, it requires less maintenance and is expected to purify water during its growth, leading to its adoption as a new crop in the region. On the day of the festival, there will be a harvest experience, as well as a moment to listen to the sounds of bamboo flutes. Local vendors will offer Hase Women's Association's Makomo chirashi sushi set and fermented juices. The harvest experience will start at 1 PM with on-site registration. The harvested Makomo can be taken home for cooking, while the leaves and stems can be dried for tea or bundled for shimenawa (a traditional rice straw rope). Enjoy a leisurely day in autumn Hase. 【Date】 September 27, 2026 (Sunday) 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM *Held in light rain; canceled in case of typhoon or severe weather 【Location】 Nagata-ni Promotion Council (former Hase Elementary School Grounds) 1298-3 Kuromatsu, Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 【Experience】 Makomo Harvest Experience 【Food and Drink】 ・Makomo chirashi sushi set with Makomo tea (Hase Women's Association) ・Fermented juices *Nagomi Coffee (Inukai) *Hozuki (Oonomachi) *Haruna Kitchen (Mie Town) *Tao Organic Kitchen (Mie Town) 【Live Performances】 ・Harunayu & Junji Takaishi (Taketa City) ・Bamboo flute live performance (Aman Bamboo Flute Workshop) 【Sales】 ・Freshly harvested Makomo and Makomo tea ・Makomo shimekazari (decorative rice straw) ・Locally harvested vegetables ・Bamboo charcoal, bamboo chip compost, fermented bamboo powder ▶ For inquiries about the event Phone: 097-579-7172 ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended spots for sightseeing in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Event Announcement 📣 On Saturday, September 19, the "Toyokoro Industrial Festival 2026" will be held 😊 "See, Taste, and Play!" This festival allows you to enjoy the autumn blessings of Toyokoro 🎵🎵 This year, special limited menus featuring "Toyosui" from Soma City and "Keisui" and "dried sweet potatoes" from Chikusei City will color the venue with luxurious autumn flavors 🎀 On stage, enjoy performances by the local Toyokoro Taiko group "Enkai" and the Toyokoro Junior High School brass band, as well as street performances by "Kosuke" and a glamorous singing show by enka singer Kaori Kouzai ✨✨ Additionally, the popular autumn salmon sale from Otsu and salmon catching events will be held‼️ There will also be a "mochi & candy toss" with local specialties as prizes, food trucks offering local flavors, and plenty of delicious gourmet options. We warmly invite you and your friends and family to join us 🤗 🔶Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM (Rain or shine) 🔶Venue: JA Toyokoro Multipurpose Square 🔶Contact: "Sea and Earth Festival" Toyokoro Industrial Festival 2026 Executive Committee Office (Toyokoro Town Hall, Industrial Section, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 015-574-2217 https://www.toyokoro.jp/page/7802.html...

Event Announcement 📣 On September 12th (Saturday) to September 13th (Sunday), we will hold the "13th National Wagyu Ability Competition Hokkaido Tournament One Year Pre-Event" at Obihiro Ban'ei Racecourse 😊 The "National Wagyu Ability Competition" is a "Wagyu Festival" where excellent Wagyu from all over the country gathers once every five years. With the Hokkaido Tournament approaching next year, this event will offer a special two days filled with delicious meat and fun activities 🎵 🔶 Main Programs on September 12th ・The opening will feature a performance by the cheerleading team from Hokkaido Obihiro Sanjo High School (10:15 AM) ・A talk show featuring producers of Kuroge Wagyu (11:00 AM) ・A talk show by the Wa Gyu group, the future bearers (2:00 PM) ・The ending will be a rock-paper-scissors contest for Kuroge Wagyu meat (3:50 PM) 🔶 Main Programs on September 13th (Sunday) ・"Tokachi Meat Festival" by the Tokachi Meat Industry Cooperative (2:00 PM) 🔶 Programs Held on Both Days ・Wagyu photo session with local characters ・Gourmet food trucks will be present This is an opportunity to enjoy delicious food while experiencing the charm of Wagyu. Let's start the countdown together towards the Wagyu Festival one year from now! 🤗 🔷 Date: September 12th, 2026 (Saturday) from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM September 13th, 2026 (Sunday) from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM 🔷 Venue: Obihiro Ban'ei Racecourse 🔷 Contact: 13th National Wagyu Ability Competition Hokkaido Executive Committee TEL: 011-209-8553 https://zenkyo-hokkaido.jp//

Event Announcement 📣 On Saturday, September 12th, the "Beet Museum Festa Sweets Fair 2026" will be held 😊 The Beet Museum will be open for free, and there will be a guided tour of the museum with the director 🎵 Additionally, those who find all the hidden "Nitten Logo" at the venue will receive original merchandise as a gift 🎁🎁 Moreover, we will have special sales of beet oligosaccharides and beet sugar, as well as sweets and bread made with beet sugar 🎵 Furthermore, there will be a trolley ride experience, a children's festival, and a variety of programs including performances by the Obihiro Kita High School Brass Band, street performances by twin performers, and a show featuring the popular Jibasan Thunder Hero for kids 😍 This is a great opportunity to experience the charm of sugar up close‼ We look forward to seeing you all 🤗 https://beet-museum.jimdoweb.com//

【Cancellation Notice】 Due to poor ground conditions, preparations could not be completed by the day before, and the "58th Gosenkoku Matsuri in Ogata Town, Bungoono City" scheduled for Sunday, September 20th has been canceled. ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ 58th Gosenkoku Matsuri in Ogata Town, Bungoono City ❚ Scheduled for September 20, 2026 The Gosenkoku Matsuri will be held in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. This is a unique annual festival where portable shrines from around Ogata Town gather in one schoolyard. It is held with the aim of connecting traditional culture, which has been passed down in the community, to the next generation, along with prayers for a bountiful harvest. At the venue, Ogata Elementary School grounds, the portable shrines are lined up neatly, and the sounds of drums, lion dances, and kagura (Shinto ritual dance) add color to the festival. Among the highlights, the lion dance and white bear, which are rarely seen up close, are unique attractions for this day. 【Date】Sunday, September 20, 2026 【Location】Ogata Elementary School Grounds (100 Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) The event may be canceled or changed due to weather conditions. 【Event Schedule】 10:00 Lion Dance, White Bear, Portable Shrine Setup 11:30 Mikoshi Matsuri (Procession of the Portable Shrine) 12:00 Ogata Akatsuki Taiko (Drum Performance) 12:15 Okudake Ryū Kamihata Lion Dance Club 12:30 Ogata Three Shrines Kagura, Ogata Children's Kagura 16:00 Return of the Portable Shrine 16:20 Lion Dance, White Bear 17:15 Return of the Portable Shrine *Start times may vary depending on the situation. ▶ Concurrent Event 13:30～ Children's Portable Shrine Procession 【Organizer and Contact】 Gosenkoku Matsuri Executive Committee, Ogata Branch Phone: 0974-42-2111 ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ Approximately 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Introducing the filming locations of Kento Nakajima's "Oni Koto" MV✨ The MV for "Oni Koto," the opening theme for the popular TV anime "The Elusive Samurai" Season 2, was filmed at a cultural facility in Matsushiro, Nagano City. This time, we will introduce the cultural facility that served as the filming location! ① Matsushiro Castle Ruins In the MV, Kento Nakajima and children are seen gazing at the water from a bridge. It's also famous for cherry blossoms in spring! 【Opening Hours】 April to October: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM) November to March: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM) 【Admission Fee】 Free ② Matsushiro Literary and Military School Dance scenes were filmed at the spear training area. There are other filming locations, so be sure to explore! 【Opening Hours】 April to October: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM) November to March: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM) 【Admission Fee】 Individual General: 400 yen / Elementary and Middle School Students: 100 yen Group General: 300 yen / Elementary and Middle School Students: 50 yen ③ Sanada Residence The Sanada Residence garden is an impressive location featured in this MV. The atmosphere of the song matches perfectly with the building, making it a must-see! 【Opening Hours】 April to October: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM) November to March: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM) 【Admission Fee】 Individual General: 400 yen / Elementary and Middle School Students: 100 yen Group General: 300 yen / Elementary and Middle School Students: 50 yen *Free admission for elementary and middle school students on Saturdays #Oni Koto #Kento Nakajima #The Elusive Samurai #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Reiwa 8 Summer Special Exhibition "Bungo-Ono's Place of Learning" ❚ Until October 4, Reiwa 8 The Reiwa 8 Summer Special Exhibition "Bungo-Ono's Place of Learning" is being held at the Bungo-Ono City Museum Geopark Museum in Mie Town, Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture. This exhibition allows you to explore the history of education in Bungo-Ono through historical materials carefully preserved at the museum from the Edo period to before World War II. In Reiwa 7, all elementary and junior high schools in the city became integrated schools, marking a new milestone in the community's education system. This exhibition invites you to reflect on the educational memories that have nurtured children at a time when the shape of schools is about to change significantly. 【Period】Until October 4 (Sunday), Reiwa 8 【Location】Bungo-Ono City Museum Geopark Museum (881 Uchida, Mie Town) 【Opening Hours】9 AM to 5 PM 【Closed】Mondays and holidays (September 21-23) 【Admission Fee】Free ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungo-Ono City■■■ Approximately 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The 33rd Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival ❚ Held on August 23, 2026 The "Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival" will take place at Sugao Stone Buddha Front Square in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Starting with sacred rituals and Buddhist ceremonies in the evening, the festival will be filled with exciting taiko performances, kagura, and torch throwing, creating a lively atmosphere as night falls. One of the highlights is the "Rooster Imitation Contest," inspired by local legends. Participants don handmade costumes (though costumes are not required) and showcase their unique performances imitating rooster sounds in a fun event. Enjoy the nostalgic and rich atmosphere of this fire festival at the venue. 【Date】Sunday, August 23, 2026 【Location】Sugao Stone Buddha Front Square (Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Parking】Parking is available in front of Sugao Elementary School (a free shuttle taxi will operate to the venue) 【Event Schedule】 15:00 Sacred rituals and Buddhist ceremonies 15:10 Oni Welcoming 15:20 Opening Ceremony and Mochi Throwing 15:30 Toyokai Taiko 16:00 Rooster Imitation Contest 17:00 Torch Throwing 18:00 Okubata Kagura 20:00 End ▶ Rooster Imitation Contest Participants Wanted 【Participation Fee】Free (Participation prizes available) 【Application Deadline】Thursday, August 20, 2026 【Prizes】1st place: 30,000 yen; 2nd place: 20,000 yen; 3rd place: 10,000 yen in gift certificates 【Additional Prize】Roadside Station Mie gift certificate Applications can be made through the Sugao Regional Promotion Council 【Organizer and Contact Information】 Sugao Regional Promotion Council TEL: 090-7455-4739 ❚ What is the Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival? It is organized by local residents to promote regional revitalization and raise awareness of the Sugao rock-carved Buddha. The "Rooster Imitation Contest" is based on local legends. According to the legend, an oni (demon) that had settled in the area demanded, "Give me a village girl as a bride!" The troubled village chief consulted a monk, who told the oni, "If you carve five stone Buddhas into the cliff in one night, I will give you a daughter as a bride; if not, you must leave the village." Concerned villagers went to check at night and found the oni carving the fifth statue. They had the village's rooster imitation master imitate a rooster's crow, tricking the oni into thinking it was morning, causing it to flee. ■■ Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City ■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Kagura Hall Performances from August to November In Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, there is a facility called Kagura Hall. Regular public performances of Kagura are held here. We would like to inform you of the schedule for public performances from August to November. 【Location】Kagura Hall (810 Sunada, Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City) 【Admission Fee】General 1,200 yen / 500 yen for junior high school students and younger (Both will increase by 500 yen on the day) *Tickets can be reserved in advance or purchased on the day. 【Contact】Kagura Hall TEL 0974-35-2372 ❚ August Public Performance 【Date】Sunday, August 16, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM 【Performing Groups】Asakusa-ryu Matsuo Kagura, Okakura Kagura Society 【Reservation Start Date】From June 16, 2026 ❚ August Independent Performance 【Date】Sunday, August 22, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM 【Performing Groups】Taketa High School Gagyu Kagura Aikōkai Club, Yufu High School Local Performing Arts Club 【Reservation Start Date】From June 22, 2026 【Admission Fee】General 800 yen, 500 yen for junior high school students and younger (same price for advance and day of) ❚ September Public Performance 【Date】Sunday, September 20, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM 【Performing Groups】Asakusa Inuyama Kagurasha Troupe, Shonai Baru Kagura Preservation Society 【Reservation Start Date】From July 20, 2026 ❚ October Public Performance 【Date】Sunday, October 18, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM 【Performing Groups】Shibayama Riraku, an affiliated organization of Shibayama Hachimansha Shrine, Takenaka Kagura Preservation Society 【Reservation Start Date】From August 18, 2026 ❚ November Public Performance 【Date】Sunday, November 15, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM 【Performing Groups】Ontake Kagura 【Reservation Start Date】From September 15, 2026 For more details, please check the "Kagura Hall" website. ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Event Announcement 📣 On Saturday, August 8th, the "Toyokoro Summer Festival," representing the summer of Toyokoro, will take place! 😊 The opening performance will feature the "Toyokoro Taiko Enyukai," along with performances by the Toyokoro Junior High School Brass Band, a karaoke competition, and the Mikabaton Club, ensuring a stage full of highlights! Additionally, there will be plenty of fun activities for everyone, including a candy toss that will delight the children, a bingo game, and DJ time! And to cap off the festival, a stunning fireworks display of about 2,000 shots will light up the night sky of Toyokoro starting at 7:30 PM! 🎆 Let's create wonderful summer memories with family and friends! 🤗 Date and Time: Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 2 PM to 8 PM (fireworks scheduled to start at 7:30 PM) Venue: Erumukan Parking Lot, Toyokoro Town (166 Shigeiwa Honcho, Toyokoro Town) https://www.toyokoro.jp/site/kanko/1457.html...

On August 9th, there will be plenty of events. In the morning, there will be a rock-paper-scissors tournament at Hota Coast and Katsuyama Coast, and in the afternoon, a cool evening event at Roadside Station Hotta Elementary School. The rock-paper-scissors tournament at Hota Coast starts at 10:30 AM, while the one at Katsuyama Coast begins at 11:30 AM. At the cool evening event at Roadside Station Hotta Elementary School, fireworks will start at 7 PM, so please come and enjoy!

Chitose Summer Festival ❚ Held on August 8, 2026 The "4th Chitose Summer Festival" will be held in Chitose-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. This year, active high school students from Chitose-cho will serve as hosts, energizing the venue with their enthusiasm. In addition to various stage events, there will be a display of "working vehicles" by the Bungo-Ono Police Station, and the summer tradition of a haunted house at the community center will also make an appearance. Please join us with your friends and family. 【Date and Time】Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 17:00 【Location】Bungoono City Chitose Branch Office and Chitose Community Center (706-1 Shinden, Chitose-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Parking】Available (Bungoono City Chitose Branch Office and Chitose Elementary and Junior High School) 【Schedule】 17:00～ Opening 17:05～ Bungo-Ono Police Station Goto Theater Company 17:20～ Dance (Time Dance Studio Mie Class) 17:30～ Children's Corner 17:45～ Cola Drinking Contest 18:00～ Dance (Time Dance Studio Mie Class) 18:15～ Two-Person Wearing 18:30～ Koto Performance 19:00～ Karaoke 20:15～ Chitose Odori Song 【Others】 There will be food trucks (candy apples, curry, crepes, etc.), draft beer, and fried chicken available. 【Organizer and Event Inquiries】 Chitose Revitalization Team Takao Phone: 090-6899-9725

The 7th Kamagaya Fireworks Treasure this sky for a lifetime: Kamagaya Fireworks connecting across time The Kamagaya Fireworks consist of two parts: the first part features fireworks chosen by local elementary and junior high schools, and the second part is sponsored by local businesses to light up the night sky. This fireworks festival nurtures the love for the hometown among local children, making it a unique event in Kamagaya. It is accessible on foot from the nearest Shin-Kamagaya Station, and there will be food stalls and traditional games to enjoy on the day. 【Date】Tuesday, August 11, 2026 (Public Holiday) *Cancelled in case of inclement weather 【Time】19:30 - 20:30 【Venue】Fukutaro Stadium & Arena 924-283 Hatsutomi, Kamagaya City, Chiba Prefecture 【Access】Tobu Urban Park Line, Keisei Matsudo Line, Hokuso Line, Narita Sky Access Line Approx. 20 minutes on foot from "Shin-Kamagaya Station" 【Contact】 Kamagaya Fireworks Executive Committee 047-445-8811 https://www.kamagayanohanabi.com...

Event Announcement📣 On July 19 (Sunday), the 15th Furusato Ginga Line Rikubetsu Railway Festival will be held😊 For nearly 100 years since 1910, this public railway has been running through Rikubetsu Town. After its closure in 2006, it was reborn in April 2008 as a tourist facility where visitors can experience actual train operations! To promote this historic "Rikubetsu Railway" and encourage more people to ride and experience it, we are hosting this event🎵 On the evening of July 18, about 2,000 fireworks will light up the summer night sky🎆 In conjunction with this, a special fireworks train will be operated, allowing passengers to enjoy the fireworks from inside the diesel train!! Passengers will receive local specialty products from Rikubetsu Town as a gift. Reservations are currently being accepted🚂 (Note: Fireworks train → Capacity 32 people, 1,500 yen) Additionally, stage shows featuring street performers and music performances by Backyard Music are also planned‼ During the stage event on July 19, we will welcome the popular Yoshimoto Kogyo comedians "Slim Club and Denjin Band" for a comedy stage performance. Moreover, in the "Special Train Experience Ride," we will extend the ride experience, which is usually limited to the station premises, as a special train for this event to Koi-yamagata Station in the suburbs. Those wishing to ride can register on the day of the event. (Note: Special train → Adults 500 yen, Elementary school students 300 yen) Don't miss this rare opportunity for a unique experience😍 Other activities include horseback riding experiences, a bingo tournament with a chance to win a Nintendo Switch 2, and dance performances by elementary school students from Rikubetsu, among various programs planned🎁🎁 Many vendors will also be present, so we invite everyone to come together and join us🤗 🔶 Date and Time <Pre-festival> July 18, 2026 (Saturday) 18:00–20:30 <Main Festival> July 19, 2026 (Sunday) 10:00–16:00 🔶 Venue <Pre-festival> Midori-machi Soccer Field <Main Festival> Inside Rikubetsu Railway Station & Multipurpose Square in front of the station 🔶 Fireworks Train Applications & Inquiries Furusato Ginga Line Rikubetsu Railway Festival Executive Committee Office (Rikubetsu Town Hall, Industrial Promotion Division) TEL: 0156-27-2141 https://www.rikubetsu.jp/kanko/event/tetsudoumatsuri/...

Event Announcement📣 On July 4th (Saturday), the 44th Shihoro Summer Festival Fireworks Festival will be held😊 It's the earliest fireworks festival in Tokachi!!🎆 The venue will feature food booths that offer delicious gourmet food and festival activities to enhance the festive atmosphere. Stage events will also take place, including the popular "candy throwing" for children🎵 And the highlight of the festival will be the dazzling fireworks lighting up the night sky😍 Enjoy a pleasant summer moment in Shihoro Town with your family and friends🤗 📍Date: July 4th, 2026 (Saturday) *In case of bad weather, it will be postponed to the next day. 📍Venue: Community Square 🔶Event Schedule 15:00 - Dance Performance (Studio ZERO) 16:00 - Stage Performance (Shihoro Town Chuo Junior High School Wind Orchestra) 17:00 - Candy Throwing Event (Sponsored by: Shihoro Service Friends Association) 17:30 - Ice Eating Challenge 18:00 - Dance Performance (Ballet&Dance Uchitsugi) 18:30 - Dance Performance (Lil Shine) 18:45 - Yosakoi Dance Performance (Tokachi Seira) 19:00 - Karaoke Contest 20:00 - Fireworks Festival Starts🎆 📞Contact: Shihoro Town Chamber of Commerce Youth Division TEL: 01564-5-2614 https://www.shihoro-kankou.jp/news/%e3%80%8c%e3%81%97%e3%81%bb%e3%82%8d%e5%a4%8f%e7%a5%ad%e3%82%8a%e8%8a%b1%e7%81%ab%e5%a4%a7%e4%bc%9a%e3%80%8d%e9%96%8b%e5%82%ac%e3%81%ae%e3%81%8a%e7%9f%a5%e3%82%89%e3%81%9b/...

It was blooming in the flower bed of a nearby junior high school.

A tea ceremony experience at a Japanese language school. I was fascinated by the tea utensils.

-Stargazing Photo Exhibition- "With Love for the Night Sky of Teshikaga" We live in Teshikaga Town. There are many famous and scenic tourist spots, such as Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo, and Mt. Io. Among them, did you know that the beauty of the night sky in this town is truly remarkable? Its quality is among the best in the country. A night sky that can be proudly shown to the world is right above us. This exhibition showcases beautiful photos taken and enjoyed by our members, explanations about the wonders of Teshikaga's night sky, and what we can do to protect that night sky forever. 2026 Teshikaga Town Community Development Activity Branch Project [-Stargazing Photo Exhibition- "With Love for the Night Sky of Teshikaga"] Duration: July 1, 2026 (Wednesday) - August 31, 2026 (Monday) Location: 1st Floor of Mashu Onsen Roadside Station, Community Gallery Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Organizer: Teshikaga Stargazing Club Exhibition Creation Support: Teshikaga Junior High School Cultural Department Sponsored by: Teshikaga Town Board of Education, Mashu Lake Tourism Association, Hokkaido Shimbun Kushiro Branch, Kushiro Shimbunsha, Teshikaga Ecomachi Promotion Council Ecotourism Promotion Subcommittee, Kushiro Shitsugen, Akan, Mashu Scenic Byway

The Kitano area of Kobe is well up the slope of the city, away from the port and Sannomiya station. The long trek uphill can be daunting, but some of Kobe's most vibrant cityscape means you at least can enjoy looking around on your way from the heart of the city. Once you get up to Kitano, though, you are rewarded with a neighborhood with a meaningful international character. Whether it be the local Mosque (one of the oldest and largest in Japan), or the prestigious British international school nearby, there are plenty of signs that the cosmopolitan aspect of Kitano is more than a shallow veneer of foreign cuisine restaurants. To be sure, those are there as well, and they are delicious! From memory, besides the ubiquitous Indian, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine, German, Russian and Egyptian dining formed some of the more eclectic additions, as well as Mexican food, a sure treat for any visitors from North America missing a classic mainstay. But the most lasting and striking stamp that the wider world has left on Kitano are the Kitano "Ijinkan", the former western residences from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The stateliness of this old-world refinement are well complemented by the dazzling modern city visible below the hills. Even a global chain Starbucks gets in on the fun, with a famous repurposed building that is considerably fancier than your typical starbucks cafe. Whether for appreciating Meiji history, western architecture, foreign cuisine, the vibrant and diverse culture of the neighborhood, or just getting some good exercise in and enjoying the view from the hills of Kobe, the trip from Sannomiya up to Kitano is well worth the effort!

Starting today, we are displaying posters created by students of Lake Akan Compulsory Education School on the first floor of Akan Lake Marimukan, which is part of our association. These heartwarming works allow you to feel the importance of cherishing nature. Please take a look when you visit.

The "Jigosha Camphor Tree" is over 600 years old, with a trunk circumference of 13.5 meters and a height of 20 meters. It is a natural monument in Wakayama Prefecture and the largest tree in the Kinki region. Although it is no longer there, my childhood home was near this tree. Right next to it was an elementary school, and my grandfather, father, myself, and my two daughters are all graduates of this school, growing up under the watchful eye of the great tree. This tree has also been damaged by typhoons and lightning, and it has become significantly smaller compared to the past, but it still stands strong.

I took part in an exchange event at Hachioji Municipal Dairoku Elementary School! Activities with the second graders and school lunches with each grade made for a very fun day 😊✨

I took a first-person view of a school plant from an insect's point of view.

We visited Hachioji City Fifth Elementary School and held an exchange with the second graders! We enjoyed playing Fruit Basket and the Rock-Paper-Scissors Train. We also taught the children "Myanmar Rock-Paper-Scissors." 😊