Various markets are held throughout Okayama Prefecture, but surprisingly few are aimed at children.
Against this backdrop, the “Oni-gokko Marche,” where children can play to their hearts’ content, was held in Soja City on Sunday, February 2, 2025.
In addition to the tag event, the Oni-gokko Marche featured a variety of vendors where children could play and take part in activities.
It was an event unique to “Soja, the Kingdom of Child-Rearing,” and I was curious about its atmosphere, so I decided to attend.
The information provided was accurate when this article was published in March 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the Oni-gokko Marche?
The Oni-gokko Marche was an event held at Sesshu Birthplace Park on Sunday, February 2, 2025.
Held to mark Setsubun, the market gave children the chance to enjoy playing tag with their parents and friends.
Around the venue for the tag event, several vendors offered food, sweets, workshops, and more for children to enjoy as the stars of the show, while lively voices rang out.
Nine vendors were scheduled to participate in this market, but due to the snow and rain the previous day, only six ultimately set up stalls.
The day of the Oni-gokko Marche
It snowed the night before the market, and I worried that it might be canceled. However, no snow had accumulated by the morning, and the event was held as planned under cloudy skies.
I headed to the venue around 10 a.m., in time for the start, and found that about 70 percent of the parking lot was already full. However, with the temperature at 4°C and the cold biting, many people waited in their cars until registration for the tag game began, so there were only a few people enjoying the market.
By around 10:30 a.m., however, many families had arrived, enjoying the Oni-gokko Marche in their own ways—browsing the stalls or running around the grassy field.
As I made my way around the venue, shivering in the cold, seeing the children running around full of energy made me think, “I can’t let them outdo me.”
Adorable accessories that delight adults and children alike
Drawn to the glittering accessories, I stopped by “yumonail” and “y.s. accessory.”
At these stalls, the owner, a nail artist and handmade craft creator, offered kids’ nail-art workshops and sold accessories.
Rows of handmade accessories that are cute for adults and unique, stylish accessories selected from overseas were on display, and I couldn’t help feeling excited.
There was, of course, a great selection of accessories for children, too. Hairpins and hair ties shaped like flowers and hearts were on display, and the children visiting seemed to enjoy choosing their favorites, exclaiming, “How cute!”
Children so energetic they leave the oni out of breath
The tag game was held in three groups: younger preschoolers, older preschoolers, and elementary school students, with high school volunteers playing the oni.
During the game with preschoolers, the high school students chased after the children with smiles, clearly enjoying themselves. But when they played against the elementary school students, the atmosphere changed completely. Facing such energetic children, the high school students got serious, chasing them with all their might and gasping for breath.
The elementary school students gave as good as they got, running around with flushed cheeks and serious expressions. Whether they were caught or managed to escape, the children chatted with their parents about the game with smiles afterward.
A popular pastry shop with items selling out first thing in the morning
The stall I was most looking forward to at this Oni-gokko Marche was “Patisserie Le Vert.”
I hurried to the tent before everything sold out and found that some items had already disappeared from the shelves, but I managed to get the chiffon cake I had my eye on.
The moist, fluffy cake melted away in my mouth, and it was so delicious that I immediately wanted another piece.
After the tag event, many families visited the stalls, and some children could be seen wondering, “Which one should I choose?” All the pastries lined up looked tempting, so it was easy to see why they had a hard time deciding.
From the Writer
The “Oni-gokko Marche” was a wonderful event, packed with activities for children and filled with a warm sense of community connection. Before the tag game, I also saw parents naturally chatting with one another, so it seemed like a wonderful time for adults as well as children.
The vendors offered plenty of products and play areas for children, making it an event the whole family could enjoy. I felt it gave children happy memories and helped strengthen ties within the local community.
I look forward to seeing even more connections grow between the community and its people through events for children in the future.
Oni-gokko Marche details
| Name | Oni-gokko Marche |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, February 2, 2025 |
| Location | 2025 Akahama, Soja City |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | General Incorporated Association ON-DO |
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