This year's (2025) topic is undoubtedly the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
It has often come up in news, social media, and conversations with people.
On the last Sunday of September, the "Okayama Expo" was held in the Kojima area of Kurashiki City.
In contrast to the worldwide Osaka-Kansai Expo, this is a local exhibition filled with the charm of the region.
I participated to discover a new side of Okayama.
What is "Okayama Expo 2025 - The Future of Okayama Woven by Connections"?
The "Okayama Expo 2025" was held on September 28, 2025, in the area around Kojima Station Square to Kojima Park. It was organized by the Okayama Block Council of the Japan Junior Chamber of Commerce, Chugoku Region.
Gourmet foods, specialty products, and traditional performing arts from various places in Okayama Prefecture were lined up in each pavilion. You could enjoy local gourmet food, learn about specialty products and tourist spots, or enjoy performances of traditional arts.
It was a one-day expo experience event where you could fully enjoy Okayama.
The Event Day's Atmosphere
I arrived 15 minutes before the event started, but the venue was bustling with more people than expected, conveying the high expectations of the participants.
As soon as I exited the west exit of Kojima Station, there were pavilions lined up in the square.
The pavilions set up at the venue can be broadly divided into five types.
- Municipal Pavilions
- Gourmet Pavilions
- Sponsored Company Pavilions
- Traditional Performing Arts Pavilions
- Special Pavilions
You can check the details of each pavilion from the images below.
Let's Discover the Charm of Each Area! Municipal Pavilions
From here, I will pick up and introduce the atmosphere of each pavilion.
Takahashi City
The panel of the cat lord of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Sanjuro, catches the attention of visitors.
The "Sea of Clouds Drone VR Experience" was impressive, and I found myself engrossed like a child.
Kibichuo Town
I tried the rice flour cookies made with "Kusagina" created by the Food Department of Okayama Prefectural Takamatsu Agricultural High School.
Kusagina is a wild vegetable from the mint family and is said to be one of the ingredients used in the local cuisine of Kibichuo Town. It is rich in protein.
It looked like a cookie with tea, and had a crispy texture. There was no bitterness at all, and a gentle, fresh aroma spread.
Tsuyama City
When I think of Tsuyama, I personally have a strong impression of cherry blossoms and hormone udon, but this time I focused on the coffee-patterned masking tape.
This masking tape is inspired by Udagawa Yoan, a physician and scholar from the Tsuyama domain who devised the kanji for "coffee." I purchased one as a souvenir since it is a Tsuyama limited item.
Bizen City
Bizen ware accessories, mini flower vases, and processed products using oysters were lined up.
I was tempted by various items, but I chose this "Ebizamai" as a souvenir.
With just a small amount, the flavor of shrimp spreads throughout the mouth. It is perfect as a companion for rice or as a snack with alcohol.
There is so much to write about that each pavilion was full of unique charm.
Let's Taste Okayama! Local Gourmet & Gourmet Pavilion
I will also visit the gourmet pavilion.
Niimi City
I purchased Pione grapes at the Niimi City pavilion.
"This year's ones are packed with sweetness and are slightly smaller," I was told, but they felt sufficiently large to me. It is a local specialty that conveys the essence of Okayama.
Hayashima Town
The only bakery in the town, "Machi no Chiisana Pan-ya-san momo," is exhibiting at the Hayashima Town Pavilion.
Everything looks delicious. Many participants stopped to take a look.
Takeout Specialty Store "Yakitori Natchan" in Mizushima, Kurashiki City
As I moved deeper into the venue, a delightful aroma wafted from several pavilions.
Among them, I decided to try the yakitori from "Yakitori Natchan".
It was hearty and very satisfying. I think I will visit the store next time.
Seaside Farm Namba Ranch
I tried the new "Tsurajima Burdock Cup Ice."
After taking a bite... I could definitely taste the burdock. Even though it's ice cream, the flavor of burdock is distinctly present. It has a strangely addictive taste, and before I knew it, I had finished it in no time.
If I had room in my stomach, I would want to try everything, as there were many attractive gourmet options available in the prefecture.
Let's fully enjoy craftsmanship and culture! Sponsored Company Pavilion & Traditional Performing Arts Pavilion
I noticed a pavilion where many children had gathered, so I took a peek inside.
KANKO GAKUSEIFUKU CO., LTD.
This is the pavilion of KANKO GAKUSEIFUKU CO., LTD. In addition to displaying school uniforms and uniforms, there was a popular shooting practice corner that had a long line.
I also saw scenes where children were lifted up to experience a Dunk Shot Experience.
Shakumoto Sewing Co., Ltd.
Shakumoto Sewing Co., Ltd. is known for its high-quality ties crafted by artisans.
Recently, they have started selling scrunchies made from 100% domestic silk. Many female customers gathered around the scrunchie corner.
These carefully crafted items are perfect as gifts for someone special or as a treat for yourself.
Main Stage for Songs and Dances
Attracted by the liveliness of the main stage, a large crowd gathered.
It seems that the Uraja performance of "Gyakaya" has begun. The performers jumped off the stage, and the audience joined in the dance, creating a lively atmosphere.
Everyone enjoyed it in their own way, whether by dancing together or clapping along.
Even I, who am not familiar with dancing, found myself naturally moving to the rhythm.
Conclusion
What stood out the most was the warmth of the people felt in every pavilion.
The desire of the event organizers to "convey" and the participants' feelings of "wanting to know and be interested" overlapped, creating a joyful atmosphere throughout the venue.
I heard participants saying, "Maybe I should visit next time," and I felt like I witnessed a moment where people and the community connected.
Having fully enjoyed the charm of Okayama at this local expo, I now feel as a participant that I want to visit places in the prefecture that I have not yet discovered.
I was filled with such feelings.
Okayama Expo 2025 - The Future of Okayama Woven Together by Connections - Data
| Name | Okayama Expo 2025 - The Future of Okayama Woven Together by Connections |
|---|---|
| Date | September 28, 2025 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Location | In front of Kojima Station - Kojima Park |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Free |
| Website | Okayama Expo 2025 - The Future of Okayama Woven Together by Connections - Official Website of the Japan Junior Chamber |
