In this landmark year marking the 10th anniversary of the creation of Japan Heritage, 104 stories from across Japan came together in Kurashiki. Held over two days, October 25 and 26, the “Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki” drew many visitors and was bustling with activity.
The festival opened with a ceremony at Geibunkan Hall.
Onstage before a large audience, a varied program unfolded, including performances by Kurashiki high school and university students, a presentation of the locally passed-down “Shimotsui-bushi,” and a special keynote address by quiz player Takuji Izawa.
Here is a look at the lively opening ceremony.
The information presented was accurate when this article was published in November 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the “Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki”?
The Japan Heritage Festival brings together stories from 104 Japan Heritage sites across the country and is Japan’s largest event dedicated to Japan Heritage.
It was held over two days, October 25 and 26, 2025, with Kurashiki Ivy Square as its main venue.
Welcoming visitors at the entrance to the opening ceremony venue
At the entrance to Geibunkan Hall, the opening ceremony venue, Suinkyo, Kurashiki’s Japan Heritage ambassador, was already there to welcome visitors.
With the wish “May you be blessed with happiness,” they gently tapped visitors on the head with a red fan.
The opening act: a calligraphy performance
The opening ceremony began with a calligraphy performance by 12 second-year students from the calligraphy club at local Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Commercial High School.
The theme of the performance was “Taking Flight.”
They wrote the large, powerful characters for “Taking Flight.” The work conveyed their hopes and dreams as they set their sights on the future, along with a message to overcome any difficulties before taking flight.
Next was “Shimotsui-bushi,” a cultural property associated with Japan Heritage.
The graceful dance, expressing the waves of the Seto Inland Sea to the sound of the shamisen and Shimotsui-bushi, created a fantastical and elegant atmosphere.
Greetings from the organizers and more
Greetings were given by Masaki Oita, Counselor for Cultural Hubs at the Agency for Cultural Affairs, on behalf of the organizers; Kaori Ito, Mayor of Kurashiki City, on behalf of the host city; and Satoshi Nagasaki, Director-General of the Tourism Regional Development Department at the Japan Tourism Agency, on behalf of the co-organizers. A greeting was also given by Koichi Tani, Chair of the Japan Heritage Promotion Parliamentary League and member of the House of Representatives, as a guest.
Each speaker shared their thoughts on Japan Heritage.
The next attraction was a woodwind quintet performed by Ensemble Gift from Kurashiki Sakuyo University.
The audience was captivated by the beautiful sounds.
Special keynote address and talk session
A special keynote address was also given by Takuji Izawa, CEO of QuizKnock Inc. and quiz player.
This was followed by a talk session, “Japan Heritage to Pass on to the Future: Discovering, Sharing, and Preserving Kurashiki’s Treasures,” moderated by Satoshi Osaki, Vice Chair of the Kurashiki City Japan Heritage Promotion Council.
The speakers were:
- Satoshi Ozaki
Vice Chair, Kurashiki City Japan Heritage Promotion Council - Takuji Izawa
CEO of QuizKnock Inc. / quiz player - Oda Akihiro
Secretary-General, Kurashiki Suinkyo Preservation Society - Hashimoto Yume
2024 Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification, Children’s Division, perfect-score recipient; sixth-grade student
From their three different perspectives, they discussed “discovering (the past),” “sharing (the present),” and “preserving (the future).”
Hashimoto said, “I admire Ohara Magosaburo,” and described Yurin-so Villa, canvas and igusa products, and Suinkyo as treasures of Kurashiki, all connected to Ohara Magosaburo.
She also said that history and the present will continue to coexist in the Kurashiki of the future, and that more people will surely discover Kurashiki’s charms.
Oda said he was born and raised very close to the Bikan Historical Area.
He introduced Suinkyo as a treasure unique to Kurashiki, leading festival processions and bringing good fortune to people. He also said he believes the essence of Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Area will not change in the future, and that passing it on to younger generations like Hashimoto is important.
Ozaki concluded the session, saying, “Kurashiki is a city that continues to learn from the old while embracing the new. I hope Kurashiki will continue to prosper 50 and 100 years from now.”
Japan Heritage to Pass on to the Future
The performances by Kurashiki high school and university students, along with Shimotsui-bushi, presented at the opening ceremony of the “Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki”, held over two days on October 25 and 26, resonated deeply.
The special keynote lecture by Izawa Takushi and the talk session, “Japan Heritage to Pass on to the Future: Discovering, Sharing, and Preserving Kurashiki’s Treasures,” were very interesting, and made for an enjoyable time as we heard the valuable opinions of each speaker.
The opening ceremony left me feeling that Japan Heritage is a region’s “treasure,” with the power to invigorate the region and delight its visitors.
Articles about Kurashiki City’s Japan Heritage
Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki Opening Ceremony Information
| Name | Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki Opening Ceremony |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, October 25, 2025 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
| Location | Geibunkan Hall |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki |
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