The Reason and Appeal Behind the Kojima Loved Marche
Why was the Kojima Loved Marche planned?
Ono
At Boat Race Kojima, from February 2 to 7, 2024, a race called "GⅢ All Ladies 35th Seto Queen Decision Race," featuring female competitors, will be held.
Since it is a large event that many people will visit, we thought of planning an event that would make even those who are not interested in boat racing think, "Oh, something is happening, let's go check it out."
In particular, I think families with women and small children do not have many opportunities to come to the boat race venue, so I wanted to create an event that they could easily come to.
I thought it would be nice if they could develop an interest in boat racing while they were at it.
When considering an event that various people, including women, families, locals, and non-locals, could enjoy, the idea came up to gather local delicious food since Kojima has a lot of great food.
Then, I consulted with the Kojima Chamber of Commerce about wanting to gather good local products, and this Marche event was created.
The shops participating this time were decided in consultation with the Kojima Chamber of Commerce, right?
Ono
Yes. The Chamber of Commerce has strong connections with local shops and knows a lot about delicious and good products.
When we told them, "We want to create an event that families and women would want to come to," the Chamber of Commerce connected us with the shops.
All of them are popular shops in Kojima, and I was surprised when I heard the names of the shops, thinking, "This shop is going to participate!" It’s thanks to the Chamber of Commerce that we were able to gather so many this time.
The character photo session was also suggested by them, saying, "Having something like this would make it more appealing for children to come."
Indeed, I thought that having shows and experience events that children could enjoy, in addition to food, would increase the chances of wanting to go.
What is the highlight of the Kojima Loved Marche?
Ono
The fact that great local shops are gathered together is definitely a highlight.
For those who do not know much about Kojima, I think it will convey that "Kojima has so many delicious and good things."
Since there are popular shops lined up, I recommend sharing and tasting with groups or families who come.
Also, for locals who are familiar with these shops, enjoying the food at the boat race venue will be a new experience.
Additionally, this time there will be a character photo session held three times a day, so I recommend that those with children check out that event as well.
If you have any recommended ways to enjoy it, please let us know.
Ono
First, I would like you to fully enjoy the Kojima gourmet food, and then while enjoying shopping for Kojima's specialty products, I would like you to experience making Sanada-himo keychains or bath salts.
Also, on the same day as the Marche, there will be a comedy battle called "SETO1 Grand Prix" and a "workshop for children."
Since these will be held within the same boat race venue, it would be nice to look around at various things.
Another thing I would like you to see while at the Marche is the race of the "GⅢ All Ladies 35th Seto Queen Decision Race," which will be held during the Marche.
There are many strong female competitors from Okayama, so women's races are quite popular.
The races will be held all day, and you can buy a boat ticket for just 100 yen, so if you think, "I want to participate!" on the day, please give it a try.
If you do not know how to fill out a boat ticket, you can go to the information area called "Gaa~ko's Room," where the staff will teach you how to fill it out and how to read the race entry list.
Please give a message to the readers.
Ono
Whether you know about boat racing or not, whether you know Kojima or not.
I think it is an event that anyone can casually come and enjoy, so please come at least once!
And I would be happy if, alongside the Kojima Loved Marche, you could also develop an interest in boat racing.
For example, I hope that this Marche will inspire children to think, "I want to become a boat racer someday!"... I would like the boat race venue to become a more familiar place.
Conclusion
The Kojima Loved Marche is an event filled with wonderful shops where you can enjoy Kojima.
With various ways to enjoy, such as gourmet food and experience events, I think it is easy to go with family and friends.
When I hear that it is a shop recommended by locals, I feel compelled to try it all.
By the way, Boat Race Kojima has planned various events in conjunction with race events in the past, and it seems that recently the number of female customers and young couples has been increasing.
I also visited the boat race venue for the first time during this interview and happened to see boats practicing, and I was overwhelmed by the power of it.
The sound and speed are completely different from what you see on TV. It’s interesting to see it live, and on the day of the Marche, I found myself wanting to buy a boat ticket.
It seems that you can casually participate in the races on the day, so if you are interested, please give it a try.
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Data on Kojima Loved Marche
| Name | Kojima Loved Marche |
|---|---|
| Date | Date: February 3 (Sat) and 4 (Sun), 2024 Time: From 10 AM to 4 PM |
| Location | 6-3 Motohama-cho, Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Admission fee is 100 yen per person. Free for those under 20 when accompanied by a guardian. Experience activities like bath salt making and Sanada cord accessory making are paid. |
| Website | Official Site of Boat Race Kojima |
