Interview with the representatives of Kurashiki Ivy Square and HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES INC.
We spoke with Nakakubo Ryoji from Kurashiki Ivy Square, Yagi Tatsu from HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES INC., and Kuroda Toki, who were involved in the revival of the garland for the Kurashiki Christmas Market.
Background of Garland Production
Can you tell us about the background of the garland production for the Kurashiki Christmas Market?
Nakakubo (no honorifics)
The Christmas Market was in its third year in 2025.
In the first year, it was organized mainly by the Kurashiki Tourism Convention Bureau, and the garland displayed at that time was very well received by customers, who said it was "cute."
However, in the second year, when I took over the responsibility, we changed the production to focus on the tree in the center of the courtyard square, so we eliminated the garland.
As a result, we received many voices from visitors saying, "The garland was so cute" and "Isn't it there?"...
So, we decided to bring it back in the third year.
After that, I had the opportunity to talk with HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES INC. and learned that we could make garlands using "blue sheets," so we decided to collaborate with a local company.
I think it's rare to make a garland from "blue sheets." What was the intention behind it?
Kuroda (no honorifics)
Our company also had the intention of exploring different uses for blue sheets beyond just industrial materials and disaster prevention supplies.
Usually, we make custom three-dimensional covers, but producing something like "stylish decorations for the venue" is rare. It was a new challenge.
In terms of design, we didn't want it to look too much like a "blue sheet," so we proposed using colorful scraps and mixing in our "denim-patterned" sheets that we sell as a playful touch.
Did you face any difficulties during production?
Yagi (no honorifics)
The production was handled by employees at our Kasaoka factory.
Usually, we do a lot of straight sewing of large sheets, but we sometimes receive requests for detailed and numerous processes like this one, so the on-site staff carefully sewed it with attention to ensure the color order was correct and that the flags didn't slip from the ropes.
Additionally, to make it easier to install, they marked the "starting position" with tape, showing their ingenuity on-site.
Visitor Reactions
How was it after actually installing it?
Nakakubo
The installation work was really tough.
Especially working on the roof was challenging. We had to determine the central position and then stretch the ropes radially, but at one point, the ropes got tangled...
All the staff climbed onto the roof and struggled to install it. The joy when it was completed was immense.
Did you receive any reactions from visitors or staff?
Nakakubo
Customers were delighted to see that "the garland has returned!"
At first glance, it doesn't look like a blue sheet, but when we explain it, everyone stares in surprise.
The staff also praised it, and it was decided that "we should keep it up until Christmas Day (December 25) after the Christmas Market ends," so it will be displayed for a longer period.
Kuroda
There was also a response within the company.
Usually, our products are often used in the context of "civil engineering" at construction sites.
So, seeing it decorated so beautifully in photos was refreshing, and employees even asked for copies of the photos.
Future Plans
This garland looks very sturdy. How do you plan to utilize it in the future?
Nakakubo
Since it is made of blue sheets, it is very durable and not disposable.
This time, we decorated not only the courtyard square but also in front of the Red Brick Hall, and it looked great.
In the future, we plan to use it for other events like beer gardens or display it in different locations, aiming for long-term use.
Finally, please give a message to the readers.
Yagi
Blue sheets tend to have a strong image of construction and disaster recovery, but I would be happy if people could know that there are fun ways to use them as well.
And I hope that when they think, "I want to make something," they remember that there is a company like ours in local Kurashiki.
Nakakubo
It is very meaningful to be able to collaborate with local companies like this.
In the future, I would like to create a system where we can not only decorate but also have panels or QR codes that indicate "this is made from materials from a local company," to promote local industries.
Conclusion
The garland left a strong impression at the Kurashiki Christmas Market, but upon investigation, it turns out that there are hardly any examples of garlands being displayed at Christmas markets held in Europe, the home of Christmas markets, or in various locations across Japan.
In fact, it wasn't even a "standard" for Christmas markets.
The "blue sheet garland" may be a symbolic presence when talking about the characteristics of the Kurashiki Christmas Market.
In the future, I believe we will see more scenes where it appears at events held at Kurashiki Ivy Square. Please pay attention when you see it.
I hope that new initiatives will emerge from the Kurashiki Christmas Market, such as new collaborations.
Data on Kurashiki Christmas Market
| Name | Kurashiki Christmas Market |
|---|---|
| Address | 7-2 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-0011 |
| Website | Kurashiki Ivy Square |
