📢 Announcement: “Miyazaki Kagura” at the National Noh Theatre — Katsura Kagura Performance On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the National Noh Theatre (Sendagaya, Tokyo) will host a performance of Katsura Kagura, a traditional performing art handed down in Morotsuka Village. Kagura is offered as a prayer to the gods. Please take this opportunity to experience its mysterious dances and sounds. 📅 Event Details ・Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 ・Doors open: 12:30 / Performance starts: 13:30 (scheduled to end around 17:40) ・Venue: National Noh Theatre (4-18-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) ・Admission: Free (advance application required; if applications exceed capacity, attendees will be selected by lottery) 📖 Program 1️⃣ Keynote lecture (about 30 minutes) 2️⃣ Katsura Kagura performance (about 3 hours) 📝 How to Apply ・Application period: Thursday, August 14, 2025 – Monday, October 6, 2025 ・Lottery results notification: Scheduled to be sent around Friday, October 17, 2025 📞 Contact “Miyazaki Kagura — National Noh Theatre Performance” Office TEL: 0985-22-1122 (Mon–Fri) 10:00–17:00 (excluding public holidays) 🔍 About Katsura Kagura Katsura Kagura is a kagura tradition from the Katsura settlement in Miyazaki Prefecture, preserved as an offering to Katsura Shohachiman Shrine. The shrine is said to have been established in the Nanbokucho period through a dedication from the Kanto region, and it preserves a mysterious history and long-standing traditions. ⛩️ Timing of Offerings ・Major kagura (night kagura) are offered irregularly for shrine relocations, shrine rebuilding, or when prayers are answered. ・Normally, the three-part kagura is offered during the spring and autumn grand festivals.

★☆★Announcement: Gyaana Festival 2025★☆★ That hot summer festival that colors the end of summer in Morotsuka is back... ＼“Gyaana Festival 2025 – Matsuri Kyo”／ This year it will be held on Saturday, September 13th! 📅 Date and time: Saturday, September 13th, 4:00 PM–8:00 PM (scheduled) 📍 Venue: Morotsuka Village Sports Park, Yu Yu Playland and the baseball field 💰 Admission: Free Field attractions ・Morotsuka Gourmet Food Court ・Kids’ fish-catching event ※ If you join the fish-catching event, please bring your own bags or cooler boxes. Program ・Local performing arts show ・Performances by village elementary and junior high students ・Stage performance by Tatsuo Kamon ・Grand raffle ・Fireworks finale 👘 Special perks for visitors wearing yukata or traditional Japanese clothing! 🎟️ Raffle tickets will be handed out at the reception desk on the day, one per person. 🌦️ The event will go on in light rain. In severe weather, the scale will be reduced and the event will be held at the Central Community Center. 🌀 If typhoon effects are expected, the event may be canceled. The final fireworks burst close to the venue for a spectacular view 🎆 Let’s enjoy the end of summer together with energy and smiles 😊 “Gyaana” is a Morotsuka dialect word meaning “energetic”!

📢 Reservation starts for Himuka no Kuni “Enpaku” from 10:00 on Monday, August 25! ＼ Reservation for Himuka no Kuni “Enpaku” opens! ／ 🌲 Morotsuka Village will host two nature-based hands-on programs! 1. One-of-a-kind Wooden Amulet Accessory Workshop Tour💍 Use the village’s abundant woods to handcraft your own wooden accessory✨ The finished piece will be blessed by the deputy chief priest of Kinkei-ji Temple. You will complete a unique “amulet accessory” made just for you! 📅 Dates: Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, October 5, 10:00–15:00 📍 Venue: Shiitake no Yakata 👥 Capacity: 10 participants (minimum 5 to run) 💰 Fee: ¥3,000 (materials charged separately) 👕 Bring: work gloves, towel, apron (if concerned about wood dust), drinks, parts fees 2. Autumn Mountain School “Platto” Yuzu Picking & Yuzu Kosho Making Experience🍊 Harvest fragrant yuzu and make the versatile seasoning yuzu kosho that goes with everything! Why not make one of Morotsuka’s staple condiments, alongside miso, with your own hands? 📅 Date: Saturday, November 22, 9:30–16:00 📍 Venue: Shiitake Hall 21 👥 Capacity: 10 participants (minimum 5 to run) 💰 Fee: Adults ¥5,000 / Children ¥4,000 👕 Bring: comfortable clothes for moving around, water bottle 🌿 Come and craft while feeling the season in nature. We look forward to your participation 🥰 📱 For details and application, visit the Enpaku official website! ※ “Himuka no Kuni Enpaku” is an exchange event where you can experience the nature, history, culture, food, and craftsmanship of northern Miyazaki Prefecture.

The 3rd National Mountain Stream Fishing Tournament 🎣 Today (August 23rd) the 3rd National Mountain Stream Fishing Tournament took place 🐟 Despite worries about the weather due to typhoons, the day turned out fine and more than 170 people attended the venue 😊 The event that drew the loudest cheers from many children was the fish-catching game limited to elementary school age and younger Some large cherry trout and eels were included, and while the children were completely absorbed, the surrounding parents were excited too 🔥 In the fishing competition, the person who caught a total of more than 8 kg won the large haul prize and took first place 🏆 The biggest fish measured 28 cm 💡 Thank you to everyone who took part in the fishing tournament 🎣 We hope to care for the river environment so this tournament can continue for many years 🥰

🍂Autumn Mountain School “Platto” — Now Accepting Participants🍁 ~Harvest Summer Vegetables & Make Homemade Pizza~ Harvest fresh summer vegetables grown in Mr. Shinka’s field with your own hands, then try your hand at making pizza using those vegetables! Enjoy authentic, wood‑fired pizzas baked in a homemade pizza oven for a toasty, savory finish🍕 After the harvest experience, enjoy a delicious lunch♪ Savor the tastes of summer with hot, fresh pizzas topped with just‑picked vegetables🍅 This event is perfect for families with children and anyone who wants to connect with nature. Participants coming from afar can stay overnight starting the day before (Saturday). Create an end‑of‑summer memory and relax in the beauty of nature. 📅 Date: Sunday, September 14 — 10:00 to 15:00 📍 Meeting place: Shiitake no Yakata 21 🌲 Venue: Farmer’s Guesthouse Shinka 👥 Capacity: Minimum 4 — Maximum 10 per session 💰 Fee: ・Adults: ¥5,000 per person ・Children (age 3 and up): ¥4,000 per person ※Village residents receive a ¥500 discount ※Includes experience fee, guide fee, lunch, and consumption tax 🧤 What to bring: An apron (please wear clothes that can get dirty) 📝 Registration deadline: Sunday, September 7 🚶‍♀️ Accompanying staff: A tour leader or local guide will accompany participants 📲 For applications and more details, check Morotsuka Navi!

【👒Summer in Gokase 2025 Photo Submissions — Spotlight 1👒】 We are featuring photos submitted to the "#Summer in Gokase 2025" contest currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account! @goto0619 @niidome2110 @sakai_0808 Thank you for your submissions 😆✨ We are still accepting entries!! How to enter (Submission period — through September 15) Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags "#Summer in Gokase 2025" and "#Gokase" 📸 We look forward to your entries 🙇‍♀️✨

A Long-Awaited Hike up Mt. Shiraiwa 👟 From the 13th to the 17th, the town road Hon’yashiki–Hagisen reopened to regular vehicles, so I left my car at Gokasecho Highland Ski Area’s Ski Center and hiked up Mt. Shiraiwa 💪 Because the management road up to the ski area still prohibits ordinary cars, I first headed on foot for the Gobobatake trailhead ✨ About 30 minutes after starting, I reached the Gobobatake trailhead 💡 From there I set off on my long-awaited hike up Mt. Shiraiwa 😊 The trail was rough at first, but it was generally easy to walk and the cool weather made the climb comfortable ✨ At the summit I exchanged valuable information and learned about conditions on nearby peaks 👍 The photos show an asagi-madara butterfly and alpine wildflowers I encountered along the way 🥰 It felt great to hike Mt. Shiraiwa again and it was a refreshing experience 😆

✨A Three-Day Holiday Packed with Events✨ The three-day holiday starts tomorrow 😁 Gokasecho is full of events 🎆 "Yaki Happy Fest" 🎤 Set in a hall styled after the Gokase Winery, this festival brings together delicious food, wine, and live music! Celebrating the connection between Osaka and Gokase, the excitement begins with a pre-festival night. Come enjoy a relaxed, joyful time amid Gokase’s rich nature and a refreshing breeze. Date and Time Pre-festival: Friday, August 8, 2025, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM Main festival: Saturday, August 9, 2025, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM Location Hall styled after Gokase Winery "Gokase Festival" 🎆 An annual celebration that colors the summer in Gokasecho! Held in the Gokase Town Hall parking area, the festival draws large crowds with food stalls, stage events, and more. The finale lights up the night sky with fireworks. Let’s enjoy a summer evening in Gokase together! Date and Time Sunday, August 10, 2025, 3:00 PM–8:00 PM (fireworks start at 8:00 PM) Location Visitor parking lot at Gokase Town Hall "Tenohira Gion Market" 👐 A heartwarming handmade market born from the idea that you can make a living doing what you love, even in the countryside. Set around Gion Shrine, more than 20 unique stalls will offer handmade goods and tasty food. This year, artists who regularly sell at Kyoto’s "Hyakumanben Handmade Market" will make a special appearance! Come to Gokase’s natural setting and find pieces that make your heart flutter. Note: The venue may change in case of rain. Date and Time Monday, August 11, 2025 (public holiday), 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (postponed to August 12 in case of rain) Location Gion Shrine (Kuraoka, Gokasecho)

🍂Autumn Mountain School — Casual Participants Wanted🍁 🌰—Get a Head Start on Autumn Flavors! Chestnut Gathering Experience—🌰 Step on the spiky chestnut burr with your shoe and a glossy chestnut will pop out. Pick it up with tongs and drop it into the basket. You’ll get lost in the satisfying rhythm of the whole process. Would you like to enjoy chestnut gathering while soaking up autumn nature? 🍱Lunch includes a Donkotei special menpa bento♪ 📅 Date: Sunday, September 7 — 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM 📍 Meeting place: Shiitake no Yakata 21 🌲 Venue: Old Forest House “Sakura no Tsubone” 👥 Capacity: 4 people minimum to 10 people maximum per day 💰 Fee: ・Adults: ¥5,000 per person ・Children (age 3 and over): ¥4,000 per person *Village residents receive a ¥500 discount *Price includes experience fee, guide fee, lunch, and consumption tax 📝 Registration deadline: Sunday, August 31 🚶 Accompanying staff: A tour attendant or local guide will accompany the group 🧤 What to bring and what to wear ・Work gloves ・Towel ・Water bottle ・Hat ・Long pants ・Long-sleeve shirt ・Sturdy, easy-to-move-in shoes that can get dirty *For applications and details, please check Morotsuka Navi. Spend a day filled with autumn flavors and hands-on experiences to satisfy both your heart and your stomach. We look forward to your participation!

Sunset Village Sculpture Symposium This year again, works by Yoichi Okumura, who lives in Miyazaki City, have come to Gokasecho✨ These gentle pieces reflect Okumura’s warm personality😊 Although stone is usually thought of as hard, he can express it so softly😲 Looking at the works gives you a cozy, warm feeling🥰 A picture book about a snowman was also placed there to help visitors feel a little cooler⛄ You could also watch the creation process👀 The stone’s sheen is different before and after, isn’t it!? (Maybe it’s the photographer’s skill…😅) By the time he arrived in Gokasecho, he had already created about seven pieces✨ He is expected to dedicate a work to Furudono Shrine again this year, which is something to look forward to🎵 You can see the exhibition and Okumura’s working process below Furudono Shrine💡 He is scheduled to stay in Gokasecho until September 3, but since there will be tidying up and other tasks, it might be best to visit in August😊 *Note: Okumura will be absent on August 7.*

📣 Announcement: Pottery Exhibition 📣 From Saturday, August 2, a pottery exhibition will be held on the first floor of Shiitake no Yakata 21. 🎨 Exhibition Details 🎨 📅 Dates: Saturday, August 2, 2025 – Saturday, August 30, 2025 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM 📍 Venue: Shiitake no Yakata 21 (1st floor) ❌ Closed: Every Wednesday 👤 Profile Name: Yoshiyuki Nakamura (Nakamura Yoshiyuki) Born 1947, from Miyazaki City (age 78) Since 2009, he studied under Hisayoshi Ikeda at the Morotsuka Village Pottery Class. After working as an assistant at the class, he has been teaching there since 2017. His hobbies are pottery, photography, gardening, computers, and watching his grandchildren play baseball⚾ 🏺 Message from the Morotsuka Village Pottery Class It has already been eight years since we happily began creating works together in the pottery class. This exhibition mainly features pieces we made as reference works, but recently our students have been making wonderful pieces that impress us greatly. In this exhibition, we hope you will take a relaxed look back over our journey so far. Please feel free to drop by ✨

🫐【Notice: Kurohara Blueberry Farm Opening】🫐 The blueberry season has arrived ✨ Kurohara Blueberry Farm will be open for a limited time from July through August! Would you like to pick the forest’s blue jewels, blueberries, with your own hands? Inside the farm, freshly picked blueberries are available for you to eat as much as you like! Enjoy fruit grown above 600 meters in elevation, soaking up the sun’s generous blessings 🌞 【Opening Hours】 9:00–17:00 (advance reservation required) ※Please make a reservation by phone at least one week before your visit. 【Fees】 💰Admission: 500 yen per person for elementary school students and older (no time limit) 🧺Takeaway: 1,500 yen per kilogram ※For reservations and details, please see Morotsuka Navi.

Summer has arrived 🌻 Last week Gokasecho saw many rainy and cloudy days, but this week the weather has been pure summer ✨ with the sun dazzling every day 😎 I drove out to Shirataki to look for a bit of cool air 🚗 Just watching the water fall from a drop of about 20 meters felt refreshing 😊 Along the way there was a sunflower field in full bloom 🌻 It was a spot I’d never known about before, so I felt like I’d discovered a great treat 🎵 People often picture Miyazaki Prefecture as hot, but Gokasecho sits surrounded by high mountains ⛰ Because of that, average summer temperatures are a few degrees lower than other parts of the prefecture, and mornings and evenings can be chilly enough to need a light blanket. Many nights you can sleep soundly without air conditioning 😉 (Last night was actually quite cool and I slept under a blanket 😅) Escape the summer heat and come refresh your body and mind in Gokase this summer ✨

＼Announcement: Original Morotsuka Village T-Shirts👕 Now on Sale／ Every year Morotsuka Village hosts the Morotsuka Cross-Country Race and the Kyushu Ball-Toss Championship. To commemorate these two events, a local designer living in the village has created a limited-edition original T-shirt collection! 👕 All designs are original They express the joy of sport and the lush nature of Morotsuka Village with playful, creative touches✨ 📌 T-Shirt Features ・Lightweight fabric with good breathability ・Back made with quick-dry mesh for comfort in hot weather ・Stretchy material and a relaxed fit around the shoulders and neck These shirts are perfect for everyday wear and recommended as activewear for walking or outdoor events♪ 🛒 Quantities are limited, so act quickly if you’re interested. Grab a special piece for this summer👕 ※ T-shirts are available from the Morotsuka Village Tourism Association and Morotsuka Store.

🎨 Announcement: The Late Sukenori Miroku – Exhibition “Morotsuka Kagura, the Forest’s Gifts, and Its Spirits” 🌲✨ From Friday, July 18, the Library Corner at Shiitake no Yakata 21 will host an exhibition by the late Sukenori Miroku (Miroku Sukenori) titled “Morotsuka Kagura, the Forest’s Gifts, and Its Spirits.” This exhibition presents nine works in total, including two paintings depicting kagura that are planned to be donated to Morotsuka Village. Please take this rare chance to see these precious pieces that are not often on view 👀🍃 📅 Exhibition period: Friday, July 18 – Tuesday, July 29 🕙 Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 (※Last day closes at 15:00) 🏛 Venue: Shiitake no Yakata 21, Library Corner 🎟 Admission: Free ❗️Note: Closed on Wednesday, July 23. 📞 Inquiries: Morotsuka Village Office, Board of Education, Education Division TEL: 0982-65-0072 👤 About Sukenori Miroku Mr. Miroku was an artist who expressed local spiritual culture through motifs of kagura and nature-based faith. He continued to render the forest’s resident spirits and his respect for Morotsuka Village’s nature and kagura with a delicate touch. This exhibition offers a valuable opportunity to encounter his artistic legacy and spirit 🖌️🌿 👣 Spend a peaceful moment in a space where nature and art resonate together 🍀 We warmly look forward to your visit!

Gion Shrine Summer Festival July 15 was the Gion Shrine’s summer festival⛩ We covered the Morimaki ritual held before the ceremony📷 They shaped the makaya grass gathered that morning into the form of Yamata no Orochi💪 Makaya is stiff, and twisting large amounts at once is a real challenge😅 Still, the Morimaki Ritual Preservation Society finished it with impressive skill✨ The amazake prepared overnight also turned out exceptionally tasty this year😆 There were many more visitors this year, which made us happy😁 The local community cherishes their “Gion-san” It will surely continue together with the community going forward🥰

Sunset Village Marche & KIDS Festa On Sunday, July 13th, Sunset Village Marche & KIDS Festa took place in the wine hall at Gokasecho Winery. Rain fell while we were setting up, and the weather caused some worry, but though there were occasional heavy showers, we also saw sunny spells. With many stalls and stage events, the place buzzed with families and visitors. The water play area was a huge hit with the children. Kids went wild with the full-scale water guns and pools. Huge numbers of soap bubbles floated out from the bubble booth, too. Seeing so many children smile made this a day that brought smiles to all of us.

Today (July 10) I covered a hop harvest 😆 It was my first time seeing this year’s hop field... and it was spectacular✨✨ Straight-reaching vines, healthy dark green leaves, and clusters of hops hanging like little bells…!! “It’s a shame this view will be gone after today!” I said as I gazed with the grower 👀 With preparations complete, it was time to harvest 💪 There were so many cones that even removing the supporting wires was a struggle 💦 We filled bags with the harvested hops, and I worried they might not all fit on the truck we were loading back with today 😂 These hops will be processed into beer with a fresh, lively aroma 🍺 I tasted last year’s brew too — it had a refreshing scent and went down easy 😆👍 I can’t wait to try this year’s beer 😍

🍄 July 7 is "Dried Shiitake Day" 🍄 To celebrate, we will hold the "Dried Shiitake Fair" on Saturday, July 5! 📍Venue: Morokko House parking lot 🕘Time: 9:00–16:00 ✨Event highlights✨ - Freshly grilled! Complimentary dried shiitake - All-you-can-stuff dried shiitake and wood ear mushrooms! - Tasting of Morotsuka Village oolong tea "Seikomasucha" 🍵 - Local specialties and summer vegetables will also be on sale 🍅🥬 This is an event everyone from children to adults can enjoy! Come with your family and friends and join us 😊

Meeting the "Flower That Brings Happiness," Kirengeshoma — Summer Hikes up Mt. Kurodake Around Obon, the elusive Kirengeshoma begins to bloom quietly in the mountains 🌼 Listed as Vulnerable (Category II) on the Ministry of the Environment’s Red List and thrust into the spotlight by an NHK morning drama, this flower is said in local lore to bring happiness to those who see it. Kirengeshoma once grew in large colonies around Morotsuka Village and Mt. Kurodake, but its numbers have drastically declined due to deer browsing. Now, it survives only in limited areas where local residents continue conservation efforts. Mt. Kurodake is designated an Important Habitat by Miyazaki Prefecture, and besides Kirengeshoma it shelters many rare Kyushu mountain plants and wildlife, making it a precious natural treasure. On this hiking tour, local guides will accompany you, pointing out rare plants and offering nature interpretation so you can fully savor the rich forest. 🟡 Tour Overview: Mt. Kurodake Hike 📅 Date and Time: Saturday and Sunday, August 23–24, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM 📍 Meeting Point: Obarai Community Center (escort from Shiitake no Yakata 21 available) 🎒 Eligibility: Ages 3 and up (minimum 4 participants to run / maximum 10) 💰 Fee: Adults ¥5,000 / Children ¥4,000 (lunch and guide fee included) 📝 Registration Deadline: Saturday, August 16 Hike Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (suitable for beginners to intermediate hikers) 🌱 Please wear comfortable clothing and hiking boots or non-slip athletic shoes. A special summer day to meet the elusive flower. We look forward to your participation!

July 7th is Tanabata 🎋🌌 In front of Morotsuka Village Central Community Center, tanzaku with wishes and cute Orihime and Hikoboshi figures made from origami are hung on bamboo branches 🌟 Just looking at them warms the heart 😊 Why not write a lovely wish of your own? 💫

#009 There are about 50 restaurants and confectionery shops in Tsunocho. This is the second installment of our gourmet series! Opened in May 2019, this udon shop has become popular even outside Tsunocho, and we would like to introduce it here. — Now firmly a "Tsuno specialty" — Hinoya Udon After exiting Tono IC on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway, turn left at the first traffic light and go a short distance; you will see a sign reading "udon" on your left. That is Hinoya Udon, the shop featured this time. The parking lot is usually full at lunchtime. Here are Hinoya Udon’s recommended menu items, a lesser-known dessert, and advice on the best times to visit. ◆ Recommended menu (including my personal picks) 〇 Vegetable Tempura Bukkake Udon They source vegetables from Roadside Station Tsuno and directly from local farmers, so the vegetables are all from Tsunocho. The vegetables are sweet and the batter is crispy! It’s addictive!! 〇 Meat and Egg Bukkake Udon The simmered beef pairs perfectly with the broth and soft-boiled egg—really delicious!!! I recommend this to students and meat-udon lovers. By the way, it’s my personal favorite. (laughs) You can also enjoy seasonal choices like Ume Oroshi Bukkake Udon and cold Zaru Udon, as well as set menus combining udon and tempura. Now for a dessert that surprisingly many people don’t know about. It’s the homemade soy milk pudding. In fact, some customers come specifically for this pudding. I sometimes go just for it myself. But it tastes best after udon! Even the fact that it’s homemade makes it appealing. The pudding is topped with kuromitsu (black sugar syrup) and kinako (roasted soybean flour); its silky texture and gentle sweetness deliver a moving experience unlike any I have had before. I lived in Kagawa while at university, so I ate many firm, delicious udon dishes. However, Hinoya Udon’s noodles have good bite, and you can sense their dedication to the broth and ingredients. For me, Hinoya Udon is uniquely superb and the most delicious. I was impressed by the owner’s attention to detail and delicacy. If you stop by Tsunocho, be sure to come and try these exquisite udon. Finally, when is the best time to go? On weekdays, come right at opening or after 1:30 PM. Depending on the day, these times work best! On holidays, the shop is generally full! ◆ Shop information Hours 11:00 AM–2:30 PM Closed Tuesday (occasional irregular closures) ☎ 0983-32-8311 Instagram ⇒ @hinoyaudon

Relax at Kurunconne 😌🌿 Today I stopped by Kurunconne 🤗✨ (Yes, I was working properly!) For the meeting I ordered a craft cola and a Mix Berry smoothie 😚🍹 Both are a treat to look at 😆 The craft cola is different from regular cola — it gives you that “I’m drinking something good for my body!” feeling, with no guilt. It has a nice spice kick and is perfect for the season when you want something refreshing ✨ The Mix Berry smoothie offers natural sweetness from the ingredients alone… it satisfied both my thirst and a little hunger — a blissful drink 🤤 There are many varieties, so it’s fun to try different ones 💫 They also offer light meals and desserts, and takeout is available 🥪✨ The shop has lots of manga and hosts many healing events every day ✨ I tried a tarot-like reading where you pick one card from 100 based on the theme “for this version of myself…,” and the message I received was very uplifting and gave me energy 💪❤️‍🔥 They sell fun goods and body-friendly foods, so there are endless ways to enjoy the place 🤗🎶 Be sure to check out Kurunconne’s account too 🙌 kurun→https://www.instagram.com/kurun2424/... conne→https://www.instagram.com/conne.jp/...

#008 [Tourist Spot Feature Part 2 ✨] Introducing Tsuno Winery, a sightseeing spot with panoramic views of Tsunocho! We’ll do our best to make this a place you’ll want to visit! Tsuno Wine has won numerous awards at home and abroad, and Tsuno Winery, where that wine is made, is full of charm. Here we introduce that wine and the winery. ◆About Tsuno Wine Because Miyazaki Prefecture traditionally has a shochu culture, wine never took hold easily, and the region was said to be an unfavorable environment for grape growing. Even so, the foundation built by Momoto Eitomo 102 has been handed down, and Tsuno Wine is made with the ambition to create wines that can compete on the world stage. Tsuno Wine is known for its Campbell Early rosé, which was actually selected in 2004 for the Wine Report’s “World’s Top 100 Wines,” and this rosé still attracts many repeat customers. Every year many of their wines win awards at domestic and international competitions, drawing buyers from within and beyond the prefecture as well as online customers from overseas. They also offer wines that are easy to drink for those who usually dislike wine, and even wines made with Miyazaki’s famous mangoes. So what kind of place is the Tsuno Winery where these wines are produced? ◆What kind of place is Tsuno Winery? Tsuno Winery sits on the Makiuchi Plateau, surrounded by Hyūga Nada and the Mount Osuzu range, offering sweeping views over Tsunocho. The site is famous as a night-view spot and for unbeatable views of the town’s fireworks. The site includes a shop with wine and a bakery, a wine brewery, and vineyards, and offers guided tours. You normally can’t enter the brewery, so it’s hard to know exactly how it’s laid out, but there is a spot in the shop where you can glimpse inside. You’ll be surprised by the size of the machinery! I haven’t personally been to the vineyards, but there is a row of grapevines by the parking lot, so you can get a pseudo-experience. And above all, the shop! It carries dozens of wines with detailed descriptions, making it easy even for beginners to choose. If you still can’t decide, someone knowledgeable about wine is usually nearby to ask. Beyond wine, the shop stocks many snacks that pair well with the wines, giving wine lovers a delightful dilemma. The shop also houses a bakery, attracting many visitors who come just for the bread. The selection is wide and changes day by day, which adds to the fun. When you visit Tsunocho, be sure to stop by. Next time in our tourist spot feature, we’ll cover the town’s roadside gateway, Roadside Station Tsuno. Stay tuned!!

Hydrangeas are beginning to bloom Hydrangeas, the flower that symbolizes the rainy season, are starting to bloom across Gokasecho 🤗✨ (Photo: Kuwanochi area) From pale blue to deep blue, pink and purple… Their round shapes draped in refreshing colors look utterly charming 🥰 The lacecap hydrangeas also show a delicate beauty, like quiet sparklers 😌 We saw many bushes that haven’t bloomed yet, so they should continue to delight us for a while ✨ Rain is forecast again from tomorrow, but isn’t viewing hydrangeas dotted with raindrops a rather poetic pleasure 😆? This season can easily bring people down, so let’s find small joys and keep our spirits up 💪✨

Ume Juice and Umeboshi Making On a crisp summer day today (June 19), the red, white, and pink azaleas welcomed us cheerfully at Kuraokakurara. The eldest children from Kuraoka Nursery School and first graders from Kuraoka Elementary gathered to make ume juice and umeboshi.🤗 The children had harvested plenty of fresh ume at the Kuraoka district orchard the day before.😳💕 Under the guidance of the neighborhood’s “ume expert,” who lives in the Kuraoka area, everyone packed the prepared ume into jars. They will take the jars back to school, turn them over every day, and let them develop until the juices rise.💪 When the red shiso season arrives, they will move on to the next step.💡 It sounds delightful.🥰 It seems the children, now junior ume experts, also took some ume home, so they will likely enjoy processing them at home while passing on what they learned to their families.🤩✨

🌟The Hotaru no Yakata has been upgraded and is reopening with a fresh look🌟 The Hotaru no Sato Vacation Village Hotaru no Yakata in Kitagawa Town will finally reopen after renovations on April 1, 2025🎉 ✨What has changed? ✔ The exhibition room, training room, restrooms, and showers have been renovated! ✔ The entrance has been transformed into a lawn plaza🌿 ✔ New large playground equipment has arrived, much to the delight of children🎠 🎒Lots of hands-on experiences! You can get information about the UNESCO Geopark and outdoor activities and even try simulated experiences like canoeing, mountain trekking, and nature observation✨ With a nursing room and shower facilities, families can feel at ease😊 📣 And…the highlight of this renovation! Nobeoka City’s NPO Himuka Kando Taiken World (Nobe☆Sta) manages the facility as the designated administrator✨Using their expertise, they have launched authentic experience programs led by outdoor specialists! This is a hub facility for the Sobo-Takame-Okue UNESCO Global Geopark and it serves as the central spot for outdoor tourism in Nobeoka City Learn, experience, and connect with nature── it has been reborn as a new center for immersive experiences🌱 🏕 Overnight stays are available! Campsites start at ¥2,200 per night Bike rentals and training room use are also well equipped, making it perfect for training camps in nature♪ 🚗 Convenient access! A 5-minute drive from Kitagawa IC and a 5-minute walk from Kitagawa Station! 📞 For inquiries and reservations, contact Hotaru no Yakata TEL: 0982-27-4740 Enjoy everything nature, learning, and play have to offer at Hotaru no Yakata—let’s go💨 Bring the whole family for a visit💚✨ NPO Himuka Kando Taiken World (Nobe☆Sta) http://en.nobe-star.com// Contact http://en.nobe-star.com/contact...

[🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 🌸 Results Announcement] Thank you for waiting‼️ Here are the results of “Gokase Flower Viewing 2025” 🥳🎉 This time, in addition to followers of our association’s Instagram account, winners were decided by votes submitted via Google Form and by general voting at four polling stations set up around Gokasecho 👏✨ Amazingly, we received a total of 151 votes 😳❗ Thank you to everyone who voted 🙇‍♀️💕 We will send a “Voter Prize” to 10 people selected by lottery from among those who voted ✨ We have already contacted the winners 💡 Please note that the notification of winning serves as the official announcement of the winners 🙏 Now, here are the results 👇👇👇 [🥇 Gold Prize] @reoron001219 (photo 2) [🥈 Silver Prize] @_yuta610 (photo 3) [🥉 Bronze Prize] @fowafuwarin5 (photo 4) @sakai_0808 (photo 5) This time, two entrants shared the Bronze Prize 🎉 Each entry was stunningly beautiful and made us sigh in admiration 🥹✨ As always, we are simply amazed by everyone’s photography skills 😳❗ Also!! We are announcing the collaboration award with the Gokase Sakura Project organized by Gokase Secondary School (@saku_puro): the “Gokase Sakura Project Award” 🤩 👏 The winner is… [🌸 Gokase Sakura Project Award] @thusandleavis (photo 6) Congratulations to all the winners㊗️🥳🎉 And thank you truly to everyone who applied, voted, and participated😭❤️‍🔥 We’ll have a stretch of steady rain for a while, but hot summer will arrive soon 🎐☀️ Let’s cherish the changing seasons and enjoy the rain and heat alike 💪💕 We hope you’ll join our next event ✨ Thank you very much 🙇‍♀️🌸

#004 It's getting a bit warmer little by little! It seems the rainy season began today in southern Kyushu, but I'm not someone who dislikes rain! Now, as the rainy season ends, summer will arrive all at once. By the calendar it's already summer, so let me introduce Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival, a summer tradition of Tsunocho in Miyazaki Prefecture! 【Origins of the Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival】 When you think of summer, you picture fireworks, food stalls, and bon dancing. Different regions have their own traditional events, like Aomori's Nebuta Festival or Kyoto's Gion Festival. So what is the traditional event in Tsunocho? It is the Tsuno Shrine Summer Festival. Festivals are rarely held without reason; they usually serve a purpose, such as protecting crops from pests and natural disasters, warding off epidemics, or fostering community ties. What about the Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival? In fact, this festival has an origin. Its origin is said to trace back to an old account in which Empress Jingū invited ritual ceremonies onto her ship during her expedition to Silla. The festival's purposes reflect Tsunocho's character as a town with thriving agriculture and livestock. People pray to drive away crop-damaging pests, repel typhoon-related damage—which Miyazaki Prefecture is susceptible to—and ward off epidemics. However, the enshrined deity at Tsuno Shrine, Ōkuninushi no Mikoto, is also a god of water, so the festival day sometimes brings rain, and a few years ago a typhoon struck directly. Even so, townspeople continue to hold the festival without stopping. 【The festival’s appeal】 People born and raised in Tsunocho often say in unison, "I won't come home for Bon or New Year, but I always come back for the summer festival" or "It's not summer unless I go to the summer festival." They look forward to it every year. You might wonder, really? I feel the same way. Born and raised in Tsunocho, I have loved this festival since childhood. When I was in my third year of junior high, I always helped carry my school's taiko float. That experience made me appreciate the float's coolness and sense of purpose, and it made me want to carry a float someday. Let me introduce the charms of the Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival. ◆Festival dates Every year on August 1 and 2 ◆Introduction to the taiko floats and more In addition to the shrine's gilded portable shrine, several taiko floats appear at this festival. These floats are arguably the festival's main attraction. ・Hamawaka Taiko Float (Shimohama district) ・Shinmachi Taiko Float (Shinmachi district) ・Kitawaka Taiko Float (Kitamachi district) ・Idobata Taiko Float (mainly Matsubara district) These four town floats parade through the town for two days and, after the shrine entry on the second day, engage in a kenka clash. Other participants include the Tsuno Junior High School taiko float, Shimohama children's taiko float, Shicho children's taiko float, and the Ichinomiya Nursery School mikoshi, all raising the festive spirit. The festival atmosphere is further heightened by Tsuno Youth Taiko, djembe drums, the Matsubara lion dance, Yosakoi Miroku troupe, and dances performed by each elementary school. Over the two days, the sound of drums echoes from many places. ◆What happens over the two days On the first day, the "Hama-oroshi" procession takes place. Sarutahiko and the lion cleanse evil spirits along the route while leading the mikoshi. A burly Sarutahiko strikes a tree branch on the ground, and the lion bites the heads of onlookers as it walks. The spectacle can make children burst into tears. Behind them, boys of junior high carry the gilded mikoshi. Next comes Tsuno Junior High's taiko float. Until the Hama-oroshi, girls carry the taiko float. Then the four town floats follow, carried with shouts that match the middle schoolers' intensity, and the Hama-oroshi proceeds. On the second day, the taiko floats parade through the town. In the evening the mikoshi departs down the shopping street, followed by the other taiko floats. Ahead lies the finale at Tsuno Shrine, the Ichinomiya of Hyūga Province. Thousands of spectators gather in front of the shrine's east torii to witness the dramatic scene, watching and waiting toward the sound of drums. At 7:00 p.m., when the mikoshi and all taiko floats pass through the torii, the shrine entry concludes. Actually, spectators are especially there for what comes after the entry. After the shrine entry comes, as touched on above, the "kenka" between taiko floats. Hearing "kenka," you might imagine fistfights or police intervention, but rest assured: no punching occurs, and police are present. In the past there were accidents and real fights, but not anymore. The kenka involves ramming the floats together and pushing. Pushing a few meters declares victory. Some visitors come from outside the prefecture or from abroad just to see this. The festival is that compelling and worth visiting. ◆Conclusion The Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival, one of Tsunocho's attractions, embodies history and the dedication of the people who have carried it forward. Similar festivals exist across Japan, but each has its own history, charms, and scenery. The summer grand festival that Tsuno townspeople have built over decades is waiting for you—please visit at least once.

Fireflies are now at their best viewing season 🌌 Spots in Nobeoka City where you can enjoy fireflies include Kitagawa, Yoshino, and Maino Many locations seem to be reaching their peak viewing period✨ Let’s continue to protect this beautiful nature by observing proper manners while watching them😊 ◎Please avoid shining bright lights, littering, or damaging the natural environment. ◎Keep quiet so as not to disturb others nearby while viewing. ◎Do not use insect-repellent sprays at viewing sites; take precautions by wearing long sleeves instead. 🪄May the fireflies dancing in the night sky leave you with lasting memories.