One year has passed since the heavy rain disaster in July 2018, and in Mabi, traditional events are gradually resuming.
The summer festival "Mabi-Funao Grand Dance," which was canceled in 2018, is set to be held on July 13, 2019.
Let's light up Mabi
There is also an increasing movement to do so, and on June 8, 2019, a "Firefly Enjoyment Meeting" was held at Makibi Park.
Some may wonder, "Are there fireflies in Makibi Park?"
In fact, in October 2017 and October 2018, 500 larvae of Genji fireflies were released, and in the unaffected Makibi Park, firefly viewing was enjoyed again this year (2019).
On the day of the event, many people, mainly from Mabi, gathered, and both adults and children seemed to enjoy the magical atmosphere.
I will report on the "Firefly Enjoyment Meeting" held in the first year of the Reiwa era at Kurashiki Makibi Park.
What is the "Firefly Enjoyment Meeting"?
The "Firefly Enjoyment Meeting" is a firefly viewing event held at Makibi Park since 2018.
In October 2017, Genji firefly larvae were released into the river within Makibi Park, and since then, the number of fireflies has been gradually increasing.
During the second release in October 2018, in the town of Mabi, which had become completely dark after the disaster, it was hoped that "we can increase the light even a little. We want the townspeople to smile a little by seeing the fireflies glowing at night," and they were released in two locations: Sue Masagawa and Makibi Park.
While famous spots often hold "firefly festivals," it is not yet to the extent of "fireflies dancing in the air."
Many residents of Mabi gather and nurture this event.
Event Overview
Many people coming from afar will likely arrive by car to Makibi Park, the event venue.
Parking spaces are available at nearby parking lots, including the parking lot of the adjacent Takenoko Chaya, but since there are not many, it is best to carpool.
The event starts at 8 PM.
Normally, Takenoko Chaya is closed at this time, but during the "Firefly Enjoyment Meeting," it was open for night operations.
I visited with my family of five, including two children, and they gave sweets to the children at the entrance.
Since the "Firefly Enjoyment Meeting" is held at night, Makibi Park is, of course, completely dark.
Normally, you can see the "circular window" and "hexagonal pavilion," but in the dark, they can only be faintly discerned, and only the occasional glowing lights and the children's shouts of "I found it!" and "It's here!" can be heard.
Crossing the bridge beyond the circular window and heading towards the hexagonal pavilion, fireflies were fluttering here and there.
As I went further in, fireflies were flying everywhere.
Since there weren't enough to be called a dance, it was difficult to take photos.
Looking around, there were hardly any people with cameras; it seemed that there were many families.
"I found it!"
"It's here!"
"So beautiful!"
The children's cheers echoed.
Conclusion
When I think of a "firefly festival," I have a strong image of many tourists and a bustling atmosphere.
However, the "Firefly Enjoyment Meeting" is literally a quiet event to enjoy fireflies.
Next year (2020), there may be even more fireflies.
I think I will visit again.
Data on the "Firefly Enjoyment Meeting" at Kurashiki Makibi Park
| Name | Kurashiki Makibi Park "Firefly Enjoyment Meeting" |
|---|---|
| Date | June 8, 2019 |
| Location | 3652-1 Ayata, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
