[April 26 (Sunday) Event] 4th Harmony Marche - Let's liven up Shoshin Town! Charity event for children's cafeterias and support for people with disabilities.

Shoshin-cho is a housing complex with approximately 840 households located about a 10-minute drive northeast from JR Nakasho Station, close to Okayama City.

A charity event called Harmony Marche, organized by a restaurant and the local youth group that aims to invigorate the area, will be held on April 26, 2026 (Sunday) to support children's cafeterias and assistance for people with disabilities.

We interviewed Midori Altagracia Espinal, the manager of Armonía and the founder of Harmony Marche, about the highlights of the event.

What is the 4th Harmony Marche?

Harmony Marche is a market event featuring a music stage and food and experience vendors held at Shoshin-cho No. 4 Park Ground, and it will be held for the 4th time in 2026.

Initially, it started as an anniversary event for Midori's restaurant "Armonía," but from the second event onward, it has been held as a charity event for children's cafeterias and assistance for people with disabilities, gathering the people of Shoshin-cho.

The 2nd Harmony Marche (held on April 14, 2024) - Experiencing the harmony created by local love

Since moving to Kurashiki City as a regional revitalization cooperation team member from Kanto in December 2023, I have felt that many people are active in wanting to invigorate their hometown. My family...

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Classmates of Midori, the owner of Armonía, including the Yamachi Youth Group, have also joined the operation, and the Shoshin-cho neighborhood association is supporting the event, making it a spring tradition in Shoshin-cho where everyone enjoys together.

In 2026, there will be 10 food vendors, 4 drink vendors, and 4 experience vendors, and the main stage will feature 5 performers throughout the event from opening to closing.

For details, please check the images below.

Interview with Midori, the founder of Harmony Marche

What kind of event is Harmony Marche?

Midori (no honorifics)

The name of my café "Armonía" means "harmony" in Spanish.

I started it with the hope that all people, things, and cultures on this planet would create beautiful harmony (Armonía) here, transcending borders, ethnicities, languages, and religions.

When I thought of the people I wanted to convey that wish to, the first ones that came to mind were the local neighborhood association members who take care of me daily. Therefore, I started with the intention of creating an event for the community.

Among them are those who have difficulties going out due to disabilities. I run Harmony Marche with the hope that people living in this area can experience live music and interact while being in their own town, contributing to the revitalization of Shoshin-cho.

Please tell us about the highlight of this event.

Midori

A group will perform LIVE painting in conjunction with the music stage. Until now, the music stage has mainly been enjoyed through listening, except for the last program "Let's Sing in Sign Language," but with the addition of LIVE painting, there will be more programs to enjoy visually.

How can attendees enjoy the day?

Midori

The music stage will continue, so music will always be playing.

I hope everyone enjoys delicious food and drinks while swaying to the music and also visits the experience corners for a fun time.

Please give a message to the readers.

Midori

Last year, we unfortunately had to hold the event in the rain, but this year I hope for clear weather and want to make it an event that many people can participate in.

Participation from outside the area is also very welcome. We sincerely look forward to your visit.

Conclusion

When I, who have a hearing impairment, became interested in Harmony Marche, the organizer Midori brightened up and sincerely said, "Of course, people with hearing impairments are included among all the people, things, and cultures on this planet that I want to create beautiful harmony (Armonía) with. I wonder how they can participate."

Since the 2nd Harmony Marche, a program has started where all vendors and participants sing in sign language at the finale.

Harmony Marche is flexibly operated while looking at the faces of participants, aiming to be an event that everyone can enjoy. How about spending a weekend at a market where people from various backgrounds, regardless of race or disability, harmonize through food and music?

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