Lately, I’ve often seen boat racing commercials featuring popular celebrities.
To me, boat racing has always been strongly associated with gambling, and I imagined that the venues were attended only by men. So I was surprised to see so many young celebrities appearing in boat racing commercials.
Although I have no connection to boat racing, I heard that the “Kojima Beloved Marche” would be held at Boat Race Kojima.
I was surprised to learn that “boat racing venues aren’t just for races,” and couldn’t imagine what a marche at a boat racing venue would be like. My curiosity was piqued.
So I went to cover the Kojima Beloved Marche.
The information provided is as of the article’s publication in February 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the Kojima Beloved Marche?
The Kojima Beloved Marche is an event held at Boat Race Kojima on Saturday, February 3, and Sunday, February 4, 2024.
As its name suggests, the “Kojima Beloved Marche” features many shops beloved by the people of Kojima, including gourmet restaurants that are hugely popular with locals and textile products representing Kojima, a town known for its textile industry.
There will also be photo sessions with Kamen Rider and Precure characters, as well as hands-on activities such as making keychains, so there will be plenty for young children to enjoy.
For details, check the official Boat Race Kojima website.
The marche will be held in an event space inside the boat racing venue, but you do not need to purchase a boat-racing ticket.
Families with children looking for somewhere to go on their day off and anyone wanting to enjoy Kojima’s food can all drop by.
Admission to the boat racing venue costs 100 yen for visitors aged 20 and over. Admission is free for those under 20, but they must be accompanied by a guardian.
A gathering of Kojima’s “good things,” beloved by locals
Here are some of the shops taking part in the Kojima Beloved Marche.
Kojima food
Since the event is being held in winter, there will be plenty of noodle dishes to warm you up.
“Matsuya Seimen” is a noodle maker in Kojima, and its noodles are also used in the ramen and udon served at Restaurant Cosmos inside the boat racing venue.
Their most popular dish, kamatama chili oil udon, is made with homemade chili oil and is said to have an addictive flavor.
“Acchan” is an okonomiyaki restaurant, but what you can get at the marche isn’t okonomiyaki—it’s miso ramen!
This miso ramen is a rare menu item that is no longer sold at the restaurant, but it will make a comeback exclusively for this marche.
It’s sure to be a welcome treat for locals, too.
“Jun Kissa Sun Lemon” is a long-established coffee shop with many regular customers. It offers cute-looking dishes and is popular with women, too.
This time, you can enjoy a generous serving of classic coffee-shop Napolitan spaghetti at the boat racing venue.
I was surprised to see a traditional coffee shop taking part, as I hadn’t really imagined one joining an event like this.
Other Kojima favorites will also be there, including Chinese noodles from the hugely popular local ramen shop “Chukasoba Kouta,” rice balls and oden from “Shimotsui Musubi Sankakuya,” made with ingredients from Shimotsui and the Seto Inland Sea, and cute fried octopus from “Nanahuku,” made with fresh Shimotsui octopus.
Kojima textile products for sale and hands-on activities for children
Kojima is one of Japan’s leading denim-producing areas. A wide variety of textiles besides denim are also made here. At this marche, you can not only buy Kojima textile products but also try making things using local specialties, so it’s a great place for parents and children to explore together.
FLAT (Takata Orimono), Japan’s leading producer of tatami edging, will be selling small cases and coin purses made from tatami edging. There is a wide range of options, from traditional patterns to stylish designs, making them a great choice for everyone, including people who enjoy handmade crafts.
Kojima also has a history as a salt-farming town, and the Kurashiki Kojima Salt Musubi Project Executive Committee will be selling souvenirs made with “salt from the Nozaki family, the salt-farming magnates.”
You can also try making your own bath salts for a fee.
It’s the perfect souvenir for winter, when you feel like soaking in a bath.
Nozaki Buzaemon, who once helped develop salt production in Kojima, built Nozaki's Historical Residence, which is about a 10-minute drive from Boat Race Kojima. It might be worth stopping by after the marche.
You can also try making a keychain using traditional Sanada cord at Sakamoto Orimono Co., Ltd. for a fee, or buy goods made with domestically produced denim at Kojima Jeans.
Every shop offers items that will help you remember your visit to Kojima.
Popular character photo sessions
Popular character photo sessions will be held on both days.
Both sessions will take place at the Gaako Stage.
On Saturday, February 3, you can take photos with Kamen Rider Geats and Kamen Rider Buffa.
The photo session times are as follows:
- About 10:56 a.m.
- About 12:30 p.m.
- About 3:10 p.m.
On Sunday, February 4, Cure Precious and Cure Finale from Delicious Party Precure will appear.
The photo session times are as follows:
- About 11:02 a.m.
- About 12:36 p.m.
- About 3:18 p.m.
Viewing is free, but photo sessions are limited to the first 50 groups, so be sure to check the start time for each session.
The Kojima Beloved Marche is packed with activities that will make children want to go, not just adults.
We spoke with Ono Wakiko of the Kurashiki City Boat Race Office to find out why they decided to hold a marche at a boat racing venue.
Kojima Beloved Marche details
| Name | Kojima Beloved Marche |
|---|---|
| Date | Dates: Saturday, February 3, and Sunday, February 4, 2024 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Location | 6-3 Kojima Motohamacho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Admission: 100 yen per person. Free for those aged 20 and under when accompanied by a guardian. Bath salt making and Sanada cord accessory-making activities are available for a fee. |
| Website | Official Boat Race Kojima website |
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