Since moving to Kurashiki City in December 2023 as a regional revitalization cooperation team member from the Kanto region, I have felt that many people are active in wanting to "revitalize their hometown."
Because my family was a group of transferees, I have never had the experience of settling down in one place. Therefore, I have a feeling of admiration for those who love their hometown and strive to make it better.
In mid-April, when the weather became warm enough to sweat, the Harmony Marche was held in the Sho area of Kurashiki City, where the Tate-tsuki ruins are located, with the hope that "everyone, regardless of race, gender, or disability, will feel glad to live in this area."
I will introduce the atmosphere of the event, where vendors actively engaged in children's cafeterias and welfare activities in Kurashiki City and Hayashima Town gathered while music played.
What is the "Harmony Marche"
On April 14, 2024 (Sunday), the 2nd Harmony Marche was held at Sho Shinmachi No. 4 Park Ground in the Sho area of Kurashiki City.
This half-day event gathered the initiators of the Marche, the restaurant Armonía, local people from the Sho area, musicians who gather at Armonía, and vendors actively engaged in children's cafeterias and welfare activities in Kurashiki City and Hayashima Town.
Please check the following images for details about the vendors.
A Marche Where Music Resonated
The opening of the Harmony Marche was graced by the MaLOU DANCE CREW from Hayashima. The adorable dance of the children brought smiles throughout the venue.
After that, music continued to flow throughout the Marche without interruption in the following order:
- Powerful vocal performance by Eriko Hosaka
- Comfortable performance by the duo band AREANA T8
- Unique performance by PESMI
- Violin performance by Rika Higuchi
What was impressive was that all the performers stood on stage with smiles and seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Encouraged by the performers' smiles, the people in the audience also moved their bodies to the music and hummed along, each enjoying themselves in their own way.
I also performed the sign language song "Marui Inochi," which I supervised, on stage.
Not only on stage but also the vendors and customers on the ground joined in moving their hands and singing, which made me very happy.
An Experiential Marche
When I think of a Marche, I had the image of "seeing" and "purchasing," but the Harmony Marche was a Marche to experience.
The vendors this time were those actively engaged in children's cafeterias and welfare activities, so some vendors clearly indicated how the proceeds would be used.
There may be people who are interested in activities related to children and welfare but do not know what actions to take.
At the Harmony Marche, participants could taste the curry usually served at children's cafeterias to understand the initiatives of children's cafeterias, and the money spent on food would be a donation for the operation funds of the children's cafeteria, making it a perfect Marche for taking the first step into volunteering.
Additionally, there were massage treatment corners, and everyone in the venue could sing the aforementioned sign language song together, creating opportunities for participants to harmonize together.
A Marche Created by the Cooperation of Local People and Vendors
The first Harmony Marche held last year (2023) was a small Marche held in front of the restaurant Armonía, but this time it was held at the ground of Sho Shinmachi No. 4 Park.
Sho Shinmachi No. 4 Park is usually a space where local people gather for summer vacation radio calisthenics, and it seems that this is the first attempt to hold a Marche gathering vendors from outside the town.
Therefore, there were also local people, including the neighborhood association president, present at the venue.
In addition to the performers and vendors on the music stage, many volunteers supported the market by setting up the stage, operating the sound system, maintaining the parking lot, and clapping along to the music stage.
Everyone smiled as they unanimously said, "It's a market of friends who have grown up in this area." It was a market where you could experience the local love.
Conclusion
The 2nd Harmony Market was a day where people who love their local area created harmony together.
It became a warm, sweaty day as if the enthusiasm of the venue was conveyed to the heavens.
I hope this initiative continues as an event where local people can uplift their own community.
Data of the 2nd Harmony Market
| Name | 2nd Harmony Market |
|---|---|
| Date | April 14, 2024, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
| Location | 11-11 Shoshin-cho, Kurashiki City |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
