One year has passed since the heavy rain disaster in July 2018.
In Mabi, Kurashiki City, during the day, the loud sounds of heavy machinery demolishing damaged buildings echo. The number of houses being demolished and the vacant lots has increased.
In August 2018, there are two men from Kanagawa who visited Mabi as volunteers, held live performances in flooded areas and temporary housing, and continued to provide support through music.
Their names are the vocal unit imim.
Kohei, also known as Miyawaki Kohei, and Ken, also known as Ikeda Ken, form this music unit.
The event on June 30, 2019, was aimed at those who had evacuated from Mabi, those who were hesitant to return to Mabi, and those whose homes were not affected and found it difficult to participate in the event.
They really wanted everyone to come and enjoy.
And they wanted to add a little color to Mabi, which has become lonely with the increasing number of vacant lots.
They wanted people to listen to bright music and smile.
With that feeling, imim planned the event.
On June 30, 2019, about a year after the heavy rain disaster in July 2018, "Mabi Fest" was held at Kurashiki City Sonoh Elementary School.
Let me introduce the cheerful atmosphere of the event!
Background of the planning of "Mabi Fest"
"Mabi Fest" is an event centered around music planned by the male vocal unit imim from Kanagawa Prefecture.
Since April 2018, imim has been traveling across the country with their "Imu Journey".
During that journey, triggered by the heavy rain disaster in July 2018, they volunteered in the Kuresu area of Mabi, helping to remove soaked household items.
As they continued their volunteer work, the desire for the people of Mabi, who often had sad expressions, to smile and regain their energy grew stronger for the two members of imim.
They started free live performances at places like food distribution sites and temporary housing.
Hearing directly from the people of Mabi that they "received energy" from the live performances gave them confidence that they could do something themselves.
From the volunteer activities that started with the thought of "if we could do something," they learned a lot from the people of Mabi over the year.
They wanted to give back even a little to the people of Mabi who taught them important things.
With that feeling, they planned "Mabi Fest".
Event overview
On the day of "Mabi Fest," heavy rain was forecasted, and there was a possibility of cancellation depending on the weather. It rained in the morning as predicted, but the rain stopped before the event started, and the event was successfully held at Kurashiki City Sonoh Elementary School.
Around the gymnasium, food stalls selling "curry," "nagashi ramen," "frankfurters," "cotton candy," and "shaved ice" were bustling with children.
Inside the gymnasium, stage events were taking place.
Upon entering the gymnasium, I received flyers for "Mabi Fest" and number tags for the "Fun Lottery" sponsored by companies.
In the "Fun Lottery," prizes such as "beer" and "microwave ovens" provided by sponsoring companies were drawn. Every time a number was called, cheers erupted, and excitement was seen from children to adults.
About BRIDGE OKAYAMA
"BRIDGE OKAYAMA" is a disaster recovery support project led by the social welfare corporation Sekishu Welfare Association following the heavy rain disaster in July 2018.
During the Kumamoto earthquake in 2016, blue sheets used in the disaster area were collected and repurposed into tote bags.
A portion of the sales is used for recovery efforts, and they planned the "Blue Seed (blue seed = seed of recovery) Operation" as a symbol to prevent the disaster from fading from memory.
"BRIDGE OKAYAMA" was launched to implement the "Blue Seed Operation" in Okayama as well.
This project involves washing and repurposing blue sheets used during the heavy rain disaster and selling bags, with the proceeds donated to Soja City and Mabi, Kurashiki City.
By transforming the blue sheets used in disasters into a positive image, they aim to encourage many people to use them and prevent the fading of interest in the disaster area while working on recovery support.
At the event, there was a workshop where the proceeds would be donated to the disaster area.
- Making corsages: 500 yen
- Making badges: 200 yen
I tried making a corsage!
I folded a long blue sheet, wrapped wire around it, and shaped it.
Even for someone like me who is not good with my hands, I was able to make a corsage easily and enjoyably thanks to the careful instructions.
It took about 10 minutes to make one corsage.
Once you get used to it, you could probably make many more quickly. I also saw some parents and children making them together!
A total of 24,200 yen was collected in donations from the entire event.
Overview of the stage events
The triangular flags decorating the gymnasium and the signs on the stage were made from denim fabric stamped with the colorful handprints of the children from Mabi.
The stage was beautifully decorated with items created together by everyone!
There was also a scene where imim sang together with the brass bands from Mabi Junior High School and Mabi Higashi Junior High School, which were affected by the disaster.
The students who performed on stage, along with their friends and family in the audience, all clapped along, creating an exciting atmosphere. It was truly heartwarming.
Finally, the two members of imim delivered a passionate performance on stage.
They raised their arms, swayed their shoulders, and sang along with the music.
The gentle voices of the two harmonized, resonating softly in our hearts.
On this day, the four who energized the stage sang together.
The singing of "La la la..." echoed in the gymnasium, initially soft but gradually growing louder, as everyone smiled and sang together.
Smiles through music.
It was truly a moment when the venue became one.
"Let's do our best, Mabi!"
In the end, everyone took a commemorative photo, and the stage for the day came to a close.
Conclusion
Messages were sent to imim on the board displayed in the gymnasium.
Messages filled with gratitude for those who continued to support Mabi with volunteer work and singing for one year since the heavy rain disaster in July 2018.
"Through music, new connections have increased," said a resident of Mabi.
Singing to do something for someone, being encouraged by that song, and supporting those who encouraged them.
The support becomes strength, and they also want to give back.
At "Mabi Fest," I felt it was a moment when everyone's feelings for each other connected and formed a large circle of smiles.
Mabi has changed as houses were demolished, and vacant lots increased.
From here, I hope to gradually shape a new Mabi by accumulating one fun memory after another.
Mabi Fest Data
| Name | Mabi Fest |
|---|---|
| Date | June 30, 2019 From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Location | Sonoh Elementary School, Kurashiki City |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
