Every year on May 5th, Children's Day, the "Koinobori Festival" is held in the beautiful forest of Mabi.
Due to the heavy rain in July 2018, the road leading from the Ichiba area of Mabi to the venue was closed, raising concerns about the event's cancellation.
However, with the strong desire of local residents to "entertain the people of Mabi," the event was held as usual!
The narrow road from the Kuresu area of Mabi was improved for the event.
Here, we introduce the event held in the beautiful forest of Mabi, blessed with clear weather.
What is the Beautiful Forest of Mabi?
The "Beautiful Forest of Mabi" was established in July 1999 as a base for forest creation and to foster a connection with the forest, located within Ichiba, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City.
A local volunteer group called the "Mabi Beautiful Forest Preservation Society" was formed.
The main activities are as follows:
- Maintenance and cleaning of the facilities
- Grass cutting in the surrounding area
- Flower cultivation
The "Beautiful Forest of Mabi" is equipped with the following facilities.
| Facility Name | Usage |
|---|---|
| Bungalow | Wooden accommodation facility with toilet and bath |
| Visitor Center | Main facility of the Beautiful Forest of Mabi with a large hall and accommodation |
| Cooking Facility | Outdoor cooking facility |
| Performing Arts Facility | Stage facility for theater, music practice, and concerts |
The bungalows are suitable for accommodation with friends and family, while the visitor center is used for outdoor schools and training facilities for elementary and junior high schools.
In early June, firefly viewing is also possible, making it a recommended spot for camping.
The fee schedule for the Beautiful Forest of Mabi is as follows:
| Category | Unit | Fee (including tax) |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Center Japanese-style Room Per person per night | Adult (high school students and above) | 2,057 yen |
| Elementary and junior high school students | 1,029 yen | |
| Children under elementary school age | Free | |
| Visitor Center Japanese-style Room for Rest Only | Adult (high school students and above) per person for 4 hours | 515 yen |
| Each additional hour | 103 yen | |
| Visitor Center Large Conference Room (Training Room) | Up to 4 hours | 2,057 yen |
| Each additional hour | 515 yen | |
| Bungalow | Per building per night | 5,142 yen |
| Camping Site | Per site per night | 1,029 yen |
| Hot Water Shower | Per person per use | 103 yen |
| Cooking Stove | Per section per day | 1,543 yen |
| Performing Arts Facility | Per hour | 617 yen |
During the heavy rain in July 2018, it was also used as a base for volunteers.
For facility applications and inquiries, contact the Mabi Branch Office of Kurashiki City, Industry Division, TEL: 086-698-8113
Prices are as of May 2019
What is the Koinobori Festival?
The Koinobori Festival is held on May 5th, Children's Day, organized mainly by the "Mabi Beautiful Forest Preservation Society," with the hope that children will learn the importance and wonder of nature and grow up healthy.
On May 5, 2019, it was prepared under the name "Reconstruction Koinobori Festival," with the feeling of wanting to bring joy to the local people.
Every year, about 250 koinobori (carp streamers) donated by citizens are displayed, creating a magnificent sight as they swim in a nature-filled area!
Through the Koinobori Festival, the interactions between "nature" and "people," and among "people" themselves, deepen, with the aim of realizing a rich and vibrant community.
About the 4th Koinobori Festival held on May 5, 2019
The event was lively with food booths centered around the "Yata Community Development" group and local shops and businesses in Mabi.
A tuna cutting show was held by "Shunsai Uoan Fukuyoshi," which is currently operating in a temporary store after being affected by the heavy rain in July 2018.
It was held with the hope of bringing some energy to the people of Mabi.
Mochitsuki (rice cake pounding) was held under the clear sky by the Yata Community Development group.
The performance by the "Momotai Pirate Group" attracted the attention of the children.
The beautiful hula dance performed by elementary school children was also a highlight.
At 11:30, "Okayama Singing Suzuchan" took the stage with a powerful live performance!
"Hello everyone!" she greeted energetically, capturing the attention of the children who had been running around.
The author couldn't help but hum along to the classic songs, enka, and original songs that Suzuchan performed with rich expression.
Suzuchan is also active as a sunflower ambassador promoting the "Sunflower Project Connecting Fukushima and Everyone" in Okayama.
What is the NPO Shalom Planning and Sunflower Project?
Since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, high-quality sunflower oil produced by hand in Fukushima has suffered from reputational damage, making it impossible to use sunflowers grown in Fukushima.
In response, a project was launched to distribute seeds across Japan for people to enjoy blooming sunflowers and then collect the seeds to produce sunflower oil.
It is a heartwarming project that creates smiles and connections among supporters.
Suzuchan has participated in the Koinobori Festival for four consecutive years as of May 2019.
Due to this connection, the idea was conceived to help the people of Mabi affected by the heavy rain in July 2018, with the hope that they would gain strength from seeing sunflowers blooming towards the sun.
On May 4, 2019, the day before the event, with the cooperation of 20 members of the "Mabi Beautiful Forest Preservation Society," sunflower seeds were planted in an area of about 20 square meters at the entrance of the Beautiful Forest of Mabi.
The summer of 2019 marks one year since the heavy rain in July 2018.
I hope that the large sunflowers blooming vigorously will become a symbol of encouragement for recovery.
Greeting from Mayor Kaori Ito of Kurashiki City
Ito
In this fiscal year, as the first year of recovery from last year's disaster, we would like to work hard to return to our original way of life as soon as possible, in cooperation with the prefecture and the national government.
As of May 2019, the road from the Mabi-cho market leading up to "Mabi Beautiful Forest" has not yet been restored.
Since April 2019, the "Mabi Branch Office," a public facility of the city, has been restored, and we hope to carry out renovation work on the elementary and junior high schools within this fiscal year so that graduation ceremonies can be held at each school.
Ito
We would like to work together to strengthen and raise the levees so that we can recover as soon as possible.
And I would like to conclude my greeting with the hope that this year will be a good year like this sky, and that the children will grow up healthy and strong.
Conclusion
The "Koinobori Festival," now in its fourth year, was held in 2019.
The "Mabi Beautiful Forest," which the author visited for the first time for coverage, is a place full of charm where families can enjoy interacting with plants and living creatures.
Due to the heavy rain in July 2018, the number of koinobori (carp streamers) displayed in Mabi has decreased compared to last year, reflecting the scale of the disaster.
The event was held with the hope that the koinobori swimming energetically in the blue sky would bring a little cheer to the people of Mabi as they recover.
I hope that more people will learn about the thoughts and wishes of the people of Mabi regarding the events they hold, and that it will encourage them to visit Mabi.
Data for the 4th Koinobori Festival
| Name | 4th Koinobori Festival |
|---|---|
| Date | May 5, 2019 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
| Location | 1647 Mabi-cho Ichiba, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Website | Mabi Beautiful Forest Event |
