【Held on September 5 (Saturday)】Kurashiki Machinaka Bon Odori - Let's enjoy a Bon Odori dance that anyone can join, inspired by the sea of the Seto Inland Sea.

Do you remember being taken by your parents to the neighborhood Bon Odori when you were a child?

Summer festivals and Bon Odori were one of the summer traditions, but they have started to gradually disappear from the streets. A Bon Odori that aims to recreate such an event is located in the center of Kurashiki City.

The "Kurashiki Machinaka Bon Odori" will be held on September 5, 2026 (Saturday) at Biousu Ikoi no Hiroba in Kurashiki Center Street, and it is a Bon Odori where anyone, regardless of age, nationality, or disability, can join in on the spot.

Starting as "Kurashiki Sonouchi Bon Odori," we heard about the upcoming third event in 2026.

What is "Kurashiki Machinaka Bon Odori"?

The "Kurashiki Machinaka Bon Odori" is a Bon Odori that will be held on September 5, 2026 (Saturday) at Biousu Ikoi no Hiroba in Kurashiki Center Street.

The schedule for the day is as follows:

Times and content may change.

The dances and chants of the Kurashiki Machinaka Bon Odori are original, inspired by the Setouchi Sea. The composition of "Setouchi Scenic Ondo" was done by modern Ondo composer Yamanaka Camera, and the choreography was created by dancer Kenji Rubien.

Additionally, starting from the second event, a format was added where singers incorporate words brought by attendees into the songs on the spot.

Interview with the secretariat of "Kurashiki Machinaka Bon Odori"

We spoke with Yuuichi Akiba and Natsumi Kameyama from Kurabiz Co., Ltd., who are in charge of the secretariat for the "Kurashiki Machinaka Bon Odori."

Can you tell us about the background of the planning for "Kurashiki Machinaka Bon Odori"?

Akiba

While interacting with people with disabilities, I heard from various individuals that those who use wheelchairs or have physical handicaps often feel they cannot go to enjoyable places. I think that was the starting point for the idea.

For example, they want to go to a live house. Even if they are told, "It's fine," they wonder if they can really go, and I heard that the door carries a weight beyond just the physical barrier. When talking to them, I realized that everyone is living their lives earnestly, and I wanted to create a project where such people could come together.

In such cases, I thought it would be best to hold the event in a public space without doors. Moreover, Bon Odori is gradually disappearing, right? I remember being taken by my mother when I was small, and there was always a Bon Odori in every region, where the locals would take care of us. I felt that such events are being lost from the streets.

For me, it is a good memory.
I want to give the current children the chance to experience that. That connection led to the idea of holding a Bon Odori.

Are there any highlights for this event?

Akiba

While we have held it multiple times, the basic concept has not changed.
It is not about gathering people. We are holding it with the idea of increasing the number of people who understand that meaning and gather.

The only change is that we are now creating lyrics together. The first event had proper lyrics, but from the second event onward, the lyrics brought by everyone are sung by the performers on the day, and everyone dances together.

Also, this year, the Seppuku Pistols will be joining us.
They are musicians who have received high praise worldwide for modernizing traditional Japanese festivals. We have been inviting them for a long time, and this will be their first time joining us. They will parade through the streets and enter Seiganji, and finally come to the Bon Odori venue.

However, the main highlight is still the Bon Odori. The focus remains on the Bon Odori.

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What kind of atmosphere does the festival have?

Akiba

In terms of atmosphere, it is not a gathering exclusively for people with disabilities, but rather a place where anyone can mix freely, and no one feels excluded.

This also applies to foreigners.
In Kurashiki, the number of Vietnamese and other foreigners is increasing. They are also people who are living their lives earnestly, so I believe that by mixing in such events, divisions will be reduced.

We do not want to create an environment where only locals can participate or where we only allow certain people. We want it to be something that everyone can accept. We absolutely do not want it to be like the situation often seen with portable shrines, where newcomers are not allowed in.

We want to ensure that everyone who comes is welcomed. I envision it as such.

The music is also gentle, so I think everyone can dance comfortably.

Finally, do you have a message for the readers?

Kameyama

I participated in the second event last year (2025).
I couldn't attend the first one, and I came in from the second event. I went without knowing the dances or anything, and I only knew it was a Bon Odori.

However, as time passed, more and more people gathered, and when it was time for everyone to dance together, I felt a strong desire to hold hands with anyone and dance a lot. I have lived in Kurashiki for a long time, but I realized again how warm this city is.

So, I sincerely hope that the Kurashiki Machinaka Bon Odori continues for a long time, and I would like those who have lived in Kurashiki like me to come as well.

When you live here, you may gradually lose sight of the goodness of Kurashiki, or the connections between people may become less visible, so I hope those people will definitely come.

Akiba

I hope everyone comes casually, and even if you can't dance, I want you to join in the fun. It is truly a peaceful atmosphere, and I believe it is a place where you can feel peace and think about the future.

Additionally, this time, we plan to set up a donation box for the Kumamoto earthquake (Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake) as part of our support efforts. We also received help during the disaster in Kurashiki (Heisei 30 July Heavy Rain), so we want to give back properly.

In any case, let's all have fun together.

Conclusion

Akiba stated, "I want to make the Kurashiki Machinaka Bon Odori a project that lasts for 100 years." No matter how historic a festival is, there must always be a first time, and I believe it will continue to evolve with the times.

Although it is still in its third year, it has definitely become a system that will continue. Even if you cannot participate this year, there is a sense of reassurance that it will surely be held again next year.

Please experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Bon Odori.

Explanation of the dance for Kurashiki Machinaka Bon Odori

If you are thinking of participating, please watch the explanation video of the dance.

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