What I’ve noticed since moving from the Kanto region to Kurashiki in December 2023 as a Kurashiki City Community Revitalization Cooperator is that many people are working to “energize the region where they were born and raised.”
My family moved around a lot for work, so I’ve never experienced settling down in one place. That’s why I admire people who love the region where they were born and raised and work to make it a better place.
In mid-April, when the weather had grown warm enough to make you sweat, the Harmony Marche was held in Shō District in Kurashiki City, home to the Tate-tsuki Ruins. It was held with the hope that “people will be glad they live in this area, regardless of their race, gender, or whether they have a disability.”
Here’s a look at the day, when music filled the air and vendors actively involved in children’s cafeterias and welfare activities in Kurashiki City and Hayashima Town came together.
The information presented was current when this article was published in May 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What Is the “Harmony Marche”?
On Sunday, April 14, 2024, the second Harmony Marche was held at the Shoshinmachi No. 4 Park Grounds in Shō District, Kurashiki City.
It was a half-day gathering of people from Shō District, including the restaurant Armonía, which started the event, musicians who gather at Armonía, and vendors actively involved in children’s cafeterias and welfare activities in Kurashiki City and Hayashima Town.
See the image below for details about the vendors.
![[Held Sunday, April 14] Second Harmony Marche: Discover Different Cultures Through Food and Music](https://media.kuratoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/23005151/DSCF0348.jpg)
A Marche Filled with Music
The Harmony Marche opened with a performance by MaLOU DANCE CREW, a dance school in Hayashima. The children’s adorable dancing brought smiles to everyone at the venue.
After that, music played continuously throughout the marche, without a break, in the following order.
- A powerful vocal performance by singer Eriko Hosaka
- A soothing performance by duo band AREANA T8
- A distinctive performance by PESMI
- A violin performance by Rika Higuchi
What struck me was that every performer stood on stage with a smile, looking like they were having fun.
The performers’ smiles were contagious, and people in the audience enjoyed themselves in their own ways, moving to the music or humming along.
I also performed the sign-language song “Maarui Inochi” on stage. I supervised it for the “Let’s Sing in Sign Language” program.
I was happy that not only those on stage but also the vendors and audience members on the grounds joined in, moving their hands as they sang.
An Interactive Marche
I used to think of a marche as a place to “look” and “buy,” but the Harmony Marche was a place to “experience.”
Since this marche brought together vendors actively involved in children’s cafeterias and welfare activities, some vendors made it clear how their proceeds would be used.
Some people may be interested in activities related to children or welfare, but not know what they can do.
At the Harmony Marche, visitors could try the curry usually served at children’s cafeterias and learn about children’s cafeteria initiatives through taste. The money they spent went toward donations to fund the cafeterias, making this a perfect first step into volunteering.
There were also ways for participants to join in and create harmony, such as a massage area and the chance for everyone at the venue to sing the sign-language song mentioned above.
A Marche Created Through Cooperation Between Local Residents and Vendors
The first Harmony Marche, held last year (2023), was a small event held outside restaurant Armonía. This time, it was held on the grounds of Shoshinmachi No. 4 Park.
Shoshinmachi No. 4 Park is usually a gathering place for local residents, for activities such as summer vacation radio calisthenics. Holding a marche there with vendors from outside the town was apparently a first.
That’s why local residents, including the neighborhood association chair, were also at the venue.
In addition to the performers on the music stage and the vendors, many volunteers supported the market by setting up the stage, operating the sound equipment, maintaining the parking lot, and clapping along to the music stage performances.
Everyone smiled as they said in unison, “It’s a market run by our friends, who have grown up in this district together.” It was a market where you could experience their love for their hometown.
From the Writer
At the second Harmony Marche, people who love their community and those who share their passion came together in harmony.
It was a warm, sweat-inducing day, as if the enthusiasm at the venue had reached the heavens.
We hope this initiative will continue as an event where local people come together to energize their community.
Second Harmony Marche Information
| Name | Second Harmony Marche |
|---|---|
| Date and time | April 14, 2024, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. |
| Location | 11-11 Shoshinmachi, Kurashiki City |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
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