Why Kojima Aisare Marche was created and what makes it special
Why was Kojima Aisare Marche planned?
Ono (honorific omitted)
From February 2 to 7, 2024, Boat Race Kojima will hold the GIII All Ladies 35th Seto Queen Championship, a race featuring female racers.
Since it is a major event that attracts many visitors, we wanted to plan an event to coincide with it that would make even people who aren't interested in boat racing think, “Oh, something's going on—let's check it out.”
In particular, women and families with small children don't often get the chance to visit a boat race venue, so we wanted to create an event they could come and enjoy casually.
We thought it would be nice if they became interested in boat racing while they were there.
When we considered an event that women, families, local residents, people from outside the area, and all kinds of people could enjoy, the idea came up of bringing together local shops, since Kojima has so many delicious things.
We then spoke with the Kojima Chamber of Commerce and Industry about wanting to bring together good things from the area, and that is how this marche event came about.
So the shops participating this time were chosen in consultation with the Kojima Chamber of Commerce and Industry?
Ono
Yes. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry has strong ties with local shops and knows a lot about delicious and quality products.
When we told them, “We want to make this an event that families and women would want to come to,” the Chamber of Commerce and Industry connected us with the shops participating this time.
They're all popular shops in Kojima. When I heard their names, I was surprised and thought, “They're coming too!” We owe it to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry that so many shops have joined us this time.
They also suggested holding character photo sessions, saying, “Wouldn't something like this make children want to come too?”
That's true. I thought that having shows and hands-on events that children can enjoy, not just food, would give people more reasons to want to come.
What is the highlight of Kojima Aisare Marche?
Ono
It's definitely the gathering of great local shops.
I think these are all shops that show people who don't know Kojima very well that “Kojima has so many delicious and wonderful things.”
With so many popular shops lined up, I recommend coming with a group or family and sharing the food.
Also, even for local people who are familiar with these shops, enjoying their food at a boat race venue will be a new experience.
There will also be three character photo sessions each day, so I recommend those events to anyone coming with children.
Could you tell us how you recommend enjoying the event?
Ono
First, enjoy plenty of Kojima's local food. Then, while shopping for Kojima specialties, I hope you'll also try making Sanada-cord keychains or bath salts.
Also, on the same day as the marche, there will be a comedy battle called the “SETO1 Grand Prix” and workshops for children.
They're held at the same boat race venue, so it's nice to look around and see all kinds of things.
One more thing I'd really like you to see while you're at the marche is the GIII All Ladies 35th Seto Queen Championship races, which will be held during the marche.
Many of the female racers from Okayama are strong, so women's races are quite popular.
Races run throughout the day, and betting tickets cost just 100 yen each, so if you feel like taking part on the day, please give it a try.
If you don't know how to fill out a betting ticket, go to the information desk called “Gaako's Room,” where staff can explain how to fill it out and how to read the race program.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Ono
People who know boat racing and people who don't. People who know Kojima and people who don't.
I think this is an event anyone can come to and enjoy, so please come and check it out!
And I'd be happy if you became interested in boat racing while visiting Kojima Aisare Marche.
For example, I hope the marche might inspire a child to think, “I want to be a boat racer someday!”—and that boat race venues will become that much more familiar to people.
From the Writer
Kojima Aisare Marche is an event packed with wonderful shops where you can fully enjoy Kojima.
There are all kinds of ways to enjoy it, from food to hands-on activities, so it should be easy to visit with family or friends.
When you hear that these are shops recommended by local people, you can't help wanting to visit them all.
By the way, Boat Race Kojima has also organized various events to coincide with races in the past, and recently the number of female customers and young mixed-gender groups has apparently been increasing.
I also visited a boat race venue for the first time while reporting this story, and happened to see boats practicing. I was overwhelmed by their power.
The sound and speed are on a completely different scale from what you see on TV. It's fascinating to watch in person, and I found myself wanting to buy a betting ticket on the day of the marche.
Apparently, you can casually take part in the races on the day, so if you're interested, please give it a try.
Articles about Boat Race Kojima
Kojima Beloved Marche Information
| Name | Kojima Beloved Marche |
|---|---|
| Dates | Dates: Saturday, February 3 and Sunday, February 4, 2024 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Location | 6-3 Motohama-cho, Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Admission: 100 yen per person. Free for those aged 20 and under when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Activities such as making bath salts and Sanada-himo accessories require a fee. |
| Website | Boat Race Kojima Official Website |
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