Recently, I often see commercials for boat racing featuring popular celebrities.
For me, boat racing has a strong impression of gambling, and I had the image that only men were present at the venue, so it is surprising to see many young celebrities appearing in boat racing commercials.
Although I have no connection to boat racing, I was informed that the "Kojima Loved Marche" will be held at Boat Race Kojima.
I was surprised to learn that "boat race venues are not just for racing," and I couldn't imagine what a marche held at a boat race venue would be like, which only piqued my interest.
I promptly went to cover the Kojima Loved Marche.
What is Kojima Loved Marche
Kojima Loved Marche is an event that will be held at Boat Race Kojima on February 3 (Saturday) and 4 (Sunday), 2024.
Popular gourmet shops loved by locals and sales of textile products representing Kojima, the town of textiles will be featured, and as the name "Kojima Loved Marche" suggests, many shops loved by the people of Kojima will be participating.
There will also be experience events such as character photo sessions with Kamen Rider and Precure, as well as keychain making, so there will be plenty of content for small children to enjoy.
For more details, please check the official website of Boat Race Kojima.
The marche will be held in the event space within the boat race venue, but it is not necessary to purchase a boat race ticket to enter.
Families with children who want to go out on a holiday or those who want to enjoy Kojima gourmet can drop by easily.
There is an entrance fee of 100 yen for those aged 20 and over. Those under 20 can enter for free, but must be accompanied by a guardian, so please be aware of this.
Gathering of "Good Things" Loved by Locals in Kojima
Here are some of the shops participating in Kojima Loved Marche.
Kojima Gourmet
Since this is a winter event, there will be many noodle dishes to warm up the chilled body.
"Matsukase Seimen" is a noodle shop in Kojima, and their noodles are used in the ramen and udon at the cafeteria Cosmos inside the boat race venue.
The popular No. 1 menu item, Kamatama Ramen with Chili Oil, uses homemade chili oil and is said to have an addictive flavor.
"Acchan" is an okonomiyaki shop, but what can be eaten at the marche is not okonomiyaki, but rather miso ramen.
This miso ramen is a legendary menu item that is not currently sold at the store and will be revived exclusively for this marche.
This is a menu that will please the locals.
"Sun Lemon Coffee Shop" is a long-established coffee shop with many regular customers. It has cute menu items that are visually appealing and popular among women.
This time, a hearty classic Neapolitan pasta will be available at the boat race venue.
I was surprised to see a coffee shop participating in an event like this.
Additionally, there will be a gathering of Kojima's popular ramen shop "Chuka Soba Kouta"'s chuka soba, rice balls and oden made with ingredients from Shimotsui and the Seto Inland Sea from "Shimotsui Musubi Sankakuya", and cute octopus tempura from "Nanahuku" using fresh Shimotsui octopus, showcasing a variety of Kojima gourmet.
Sale of Kojima's Textile Products and Children's Experience Events
Kojima is one of Japan's leading denim production areas. In addition to denim, various textile products are actively produced.
At this marche, not only will Kojima's textile products be sold, but there will also be opportunities to experience making items using local specialties, making it a great outing for parents and children.
FLAT (Takada Textile), which boasts the highest production of tatami edging in Japan, will sell small items and coin purses made from tatami edging. There is a wide variety of designs, from traditional patterns to stylish designs, making it a great choice for both men and women, as well as those who enjoy handmade items.
Additionally, Kojima has a history as a salt-making town, and the Kurashiki Kojima Salt Binding Project Executive Committee will sell souvenirs made with "Salt from the Salt King Nozaki Family".
There will also be an opportunity to experience making original bath salts (for a fee) related to salt.
This is a perfect souvenir for winter when you want to soak in a bath.
The Nozaki's Historical Residence, built by Nozaki Buzaemon, who developed salt production in Kojima, is about a 10-minute drive from the Kojima Boat Race Course, so it might be nice to stop by after the marche.
Additionally, at Sakamoto Textile Co., Ltd., you can try making keychains using traditional Sanada cords (for a fee), and at Kojima Jeans, you can purchase goods made from domestically produced denim.
All the shops offer items that will leave you with memories of your visit to Kojima.
Popular Character Photo Sessions
Photo sessions with popular characters will be held on both days.
The photo session location for both characters will be at the Gaa~ko Stage.
On February 3 (Saturday), you can take photos with Kamen Rider Geats and Kamen Rider Buffa.
The photo session times are as follows:
- Around 10:56 AM
- Around 12:30 PM
- Around 3:10 PM
On February 4 (Sunday), Cure Precious and Cure Finale from Delicious Party Precure will appear.
The photo session times are as follows:
- Around 11:02 AM
- Around 12:36 PM
- Around 3:18 PM
Viewing is free, but there is a limit of 50 groups for photo sessions, so be sure to check the start times for each session.
Kojima Loved Marche is packed with plans that will appeal not only to adults but also to children.
I spoke with Kazuko Ono from the Kurashiki City Boat Race Office about why the marche was planned at the boat race venue.
Data on Kojima Loved Marche
| Name | Kojima Loved Marche |
|---|---|
| Date | Date: February 3 (Saturday) and 4 (Sunday), 2024 Time: 10 AM to 4 PM |
| Location | 6-3 Kojima Motohamacho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Entrance fee: 100 yen per person. Free for those under 20 when accompanied by a guardian. Experience activities such as bath salt making and Sanada cord accessory making are available for a fee. |
| Homepage | Official Website of Boat Race Kojima |
