The 22nd Fukushima Festival

Today, Sunday, October 27th, the Fukushima Festival took place at the Welfare Center 😆👏

As always, we worried about rain, but amazingly it turned out sunny and even hot 🫢 It seems the people of Gokase Town’s good deeds convinced the weather to hold off the rain 😆 As soon as the event ended, though, it started raining right on cue ☂️ (laughs)

The venue featured a bazaar booth stocked with a wide variety of items, and everyone was seriously checking each table for bargains 👀💡

There was also an exhibition booth showcasing lovely works created by local residents, and a wax ball-making experience booth run by the G Music Group, offering a relaxed, enjoyable program 🤗

So many delicious stalls lined up that I couldn’t decide what to have for lunch 🤤💕 Wandering around while deciding was part of the fun, though 🤩

The stage program included singing, dancing, and shamisen performances — it was truly fulfilling 🥳 The performers on stage and the cheering audience created a warm, unified atmosphere in the hall 😌💕

There were several moments when I was so moved that tears welled up as I held the camera (in fact, they even fell) 😭✨

In addition to the Social Welfare Council members, local junior high student volunteers and students from Kyushu University of Health and Welfare helped with the event’s operation 😳👏 Thanks to the students’ cooperation, the event took on a friendly, bright atmosphere 🫶

With this “Fukushima Festival,” the town’s October events have come to an end 🥹

November also brings many events 🤩 Everyone, to fully enjoy the upcoming events, please take care to avoid injuries and look after your health 🙌❤️‍🔥