The Tamashima Festival, held on September 26, 2026 (Saturday) in front of Shin-Kurashiki Station, was themed with the slogan "Focused on One Point - Our Feelings for Tamashima Gathered Here."
This festival, which values handmade creations, has a core warmth and provides a space where all participants become the main characters through various "dances."
I will report on the atmosphere of the Tamashima Festival and the feelings of the people that emerged through it, their thoughts for Tamashima.
The information provided is based on the article published in October 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
This year marks the 75th Tamashima Festival!
Tamashima, which flourished as a port town during the Edo period, still retains a nostalgic charm.
The 75th Tamashima Festival, organized by the Tamashima Festival Executive Committee, was held in front of Shin-Kurashiki Station on September 26, 2026 (Saturday).
At the venue, in addition to the night market square and horror house maze, the following activities were held, creating a lively atmosphere:
- Candy throwing
- Annual Harbor Dance (dance contest)
- Performance of Awa Odori
- Citizen's Grand Dance
- Food truck tour with the competitive eater Moe no Azuki
Warmth and Unity Born from Handmade Creations
As I approached the venue, where the opening was just around the corner, I could hear the lively voices of student staff amidst the drizzling rain.
In this year's Tamashima Festival, students from several local high schools and universities participated as staff. The adult staff collaborated with the student staff, and I couldn't help but smile as I saw them enjoying themselves together in the horror house maze before the opening.
I confirmed that the Tamashima Festival is a handmade festival created by people across generations and was quickly drawn into the warmth of that space.
As the festival began, I could hear joyful voices from the night market square and food truck street, while on stage, participants showcased performances that united everyone, and I lost track of time watching.
Notably, the Harbor Dance and Citizen's Grand Dance were remarkable. Feelings for Tamashima gathered and took new shape. While witnessing such moments, I realized that the rain had stopped.
A Page of Youth Captured by Serious Dance
The Harbor Dance, which is a competition where participants dance to an arranged song based on the "Ryoan Ondo," named after the famous monk Ryoan associated with Tamashima. The participants were mainly local students, and their smiles and energy-filled dance captivated the audience.
The winner of the fierce competition for the grand prize was the dance club of Kurashiki Suisho High School. During the award ceremony, some participants shed tears of joy and regret. For the participants, the Tamashima Festival must have been a cherished memory of becoming serious with their friends.
The Songs, Dances, and Memories of Tamashima that Can Always Be Remembered
The Citizen's Grand Dance, which marked the finale of the Tamashima Festival, featured a scene where people of various ages and genders, including spontaneous participants, formed a large circle to dance and laugh together.
The time to dance is also handmade by everyone.
This attitude seemed to symbolize the bonds and warmth of the people of Tamashima.
Both children and adults have songs and dances that they can always remember, along with the precious memories of their hometown. The people of Tamashima understand how reassuring and proud that is, which is perhaps why they have continued the Citizen's "Grand" Dance.
From the Writer
Participating in the Tamashima Festival, I felt that the "feelings for Tamashima" within the slogan encompass not only the town of Tamashima and its traditions but also a desire to cherish the people of Tamashima and live together with them.
The sight of people across generations running the festival by hand, the dedication of participants dancing seriously in the Harbor Dance, and the scene of the Citizen's Grand Dance where no one was left out, all smiling and forming a large circle, are proof of that.
I want to meet the people of Tamashima again, who possess both coolness and core warmth.
As I headed home, I found myself recreating the choreography of the Citizen's Grand Dance.
The bonds woven by the Tamashima Festival will continue to grow and will surely bring warmth to the hearts of many more people in the future.
Data on the 75th Tamashima Festival
| Name | 75th Tamashima Festival |
|---|---|
| Date | September 26, 2026 (Saturday) from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM |
| Location | In front of Shin-Kurashiki Station, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Website | Tamashima Festival (official) |
