In the memorable year marking the 10th anniversary of "Japan Heritage," 104 stories from across the country gathered in Kurashiki. The "Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki," held over two days on October 25 and 26, saw a large number of visitors and a vibrant atmosphere.
The festival kicked off with an opening ceremony held at Geibunkan Hall in Kurashiki City.
On stage, watched by many spectators, there were performances by high school and university students from Kurashiki, a presentation of the local "Shimotsui Bushi," and a special keynote speech by quiz player Izawa Takushi, among a variety of programs.
Here is a look at the lively opening ceremony.
What is the "Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki"?
The "Japan Heritage Festival" is the largest event in the country regarding Japan Heritage, bringing together the stories of 104 Japan Heritage sites.
It was held on October 25 and 26, 2025, primarily at Kurashiki Ivy Square.
Welcoming at the entrance of the opening ceremony venue
At the entrance of the opening ceremony venue, Geibunkan Hall in Kurashiki City, Kurashiki Japan Heritage Ambassador Suinkyo was there to welcome the visitors.
With the wish of "May you be happy," they gently tapped visitors on the head with a red fan.
The opening with a calligraphy performance
The opening was highlighted by a calligraphy performance by 12 second-year students from the calligraphy club of Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Commercial High School.
The theme of the performance was "Hishou" (Flight).
The powerful and large characters of "Hishou" were written. It conveyed the message of having hope and dreams, aiming to soar into the future, and overcoming difficulties before taking flight.
Next was the Shimotsui Bushi, a cultural asset of Japan Heritage.
Accompanied by the sound of the shamisen, the graceful dance expressing the waves of the Seto Inland Sea created a fantastical atmosphere and elegance.
Greetings from the organizers, etc.
The greetings from the organizers included Masaki Oita, Counselor of the Agency for Cultural Affairs (Cultural Base Division), Kaori Ito, Mayor of Kurashiki City, and Satoshi Nagasaki, Director of the Tourism Agency's Regional Promotion Division. There was also a greeting from Koichi Tani, Chairman of the Japan Heritage Promotion Parliamentary Federation and a member of the House of Representatives.
Each of them shared their thoughts on Japan Heritage.
The next attraction was the woodwind quintet by the Kurashiki Sakuyo University Ensemble Gift.
The audience was captivated by its beautiful sound.
Special keynote speech and talk session
A special keynote speech was also given by Takushi Izawa, CEO of QuizKnock and quiz player.
Following that, a talk session titled "Japan Heritage to be passed on to the future - Discovering, conveying, and preserving Kurashiki's treasures" was held, coordinated by Satoshi Ozaki, Vice Chairman of the Kurashiki City Japan Heritage Promotion Council.
The speakers were as follows:
- Satoshi Ozaki
Vice Chairman of the Kurashiki City Japan Heritage Promotion Council - Takushi Izawa
CEO of QuizKnock / quiz player - Akihiro Oda
Secretary General of the Kurashiki Suinkyo Preservation Society - Yume Hashimoto
Perfect score achiever in the children's division of the Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification for the 6th grade
Each of the three speakers discussed "discovering (the past)," "conveying (the present)," and "preserving (the future)" from their respective perspectives.
Hashimoto said, "I respect Ohara Magosaburo," and spoke of Yurin-so Villa, canvas and rush products, and Suguin Kyo as treasures of Kurashiki.
Additionally, regarding the future of Kurashiki, she mentioned that history and the present will continue to coexist, and that the number of people who recognize the charm of Kurashiki will surely increase in the future.
Oda shared that he was born and raised very close to the Bikan Historical Area.
He introduced Suguin Kyo as a unique treasure of Kurashiki that brings good fortune to people as a leading role in festivals. He also expressed his belief that the essence of the Bikan Historical Area will not change in the future and emphasized the importance of passing it on to the younger generation like Hashimoto.
Ozaki concluded the session by saying, "Kurashiki is a town that continues to learn from the old while incorporating new things. I hope Kurashiki will prosper 50 years and 100 years from now."
Japan Heritage to Pass on to the Future
During the opening ceremony of the “Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki”, held over two days on October 25 and 26, performances by high school and university students from Kurashiki and the Shimotsui-bushi resonated in our hearts.
Additionally, Takushi Izawa's special keynote speech and the talk session "Japan Heritage to Pass on to the Future - Discovering, Communicating, and Preserving the Treasures of Kurashiki" provided a very interesting and enjoyable time as we listened to the valuable opinions of each speaker.
The opening ceremony became a moment where we felt that Japan Heritage is a "treasure" of the region, invigorating the community and delighting visitors.
Articles on Japan Heritage in Kurashiki City
Data on the Opening Ceremony of the Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki
| Name | Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki Opening Ceremony |
|---|---|
| Date | October 25, 2025 (Saturday) 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Location | Geibunkan Hall |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Free |
| Homepage | Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki |
