The annual autumn craft festival, “Autumn in the Craft City Takaoka,” is held each year in the heart of Takaoka. In 2025, many events will again take place throughout September and October. Here’s an early look at the event dates and some highlights!

From the Otaya area in front of the station, once the domain of a castle town, to the Yamachosuji known for its wealthy merchants who helped advance craft culture, and onward to Kanayamachi, the birthplace of Takaoka’s cast metalwork, Takaoka is truly a city of craftsmanship. Strolling through these historic streets lets you savor everything from long-standing traditions to cutting-edge crafts in depth. Why not take this opportunity to come and visit?

◆Takaoka Craft Ichibamachi

“Ichibamachi” is a comprehensive event where you can experience traditional crafts and contemporary craftwork through exhibitions and sales of craft and art, open factories, and workshops. Now in its 14th year, Ichibamachi has become an autumn tradition in Takaoka. It has also attracted attention from the perspective of community development, having received the Good Design Award in 2022 and the Furusato Event Grand Prize (Prime Minister’s Award) in 2023.

Takaoka Craft Ichibamachi 2025 Event Overview
　Dates: Saturday, September 20 – Tuesday (Public Holiday), September 23
　Venues: Central Takaoka City and surrounding areas (with a focus on Yamachosuji and the Otaya area)
　Official Website: ichibamachi.jp
　Official Instagram: @ichibamach
　Inquiries: Takaoka Craft Ichibamachi Executive Committee 　ichibamachi＠gmail.com　

＜Event Highlights＞

●MONO-NO-ICHI: A Craft and Food Market

This market features pop-up stores from craft shops, craft-related workshops, and stalls offering drinks and food for daytime sipping. On the event days, the historic Yamachosuji, with its 400-year-old townscape, will become a pedestrian zone and host street events as well.

Dates: Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21
　Location: Yamachosuji (East side)

●MISYU-NO-RAN: Ichibamachi Exclusive Food Event

Restaurants in the Yamachosuji will offer new, special menus timed to coincide with “Ichibamachi”. Enjoy this limited-time, one-of-a-kind culinary experience!

Dates: Saturday, September 20 – Tuesday (Public Holiday), September 23
　Location: Yamachosuji

●Open Factory: Tours of Traditional Industry Workshops

Takaoka is a city where traditional industries continue to be passed down. “Ichibamachi” offers a rare opportunity to visit workshops and factories that are usually closed to the public and watch artisans at work. Bus tours are also planned, and some workshops may be open for visits all day. Please check the official website and Instagram, which will be updated with details!

Dates: Planned mainly for Monday, September 22
　Location: Throughout Takaoka City

●TAKAOKA DE SUMU: Art Exhibition by Young Artists

A group exhibition featuring artists with ties to Takaoka. Set across five unique venues, this event offers the chance to leisurely appreciate works by emerging artists.

Dates: Saturday, September 20 – Tuesday (Public Holiday), September 23
　Venues: Former ART & FASHION GALLERY Nakamura (Otaya) / 1970 Nissen Building / Ahora Aqui / Takaoka Dozo-zukuri Museum / Piilo

●Shokunin BAR: Chat with Craftsmen Turned Bartenders

A special evening event that brings extra color to “Ichibamachi” nights is back! During the day, these artisans support Takaoka’s traditional industries on the workshop floor, but for these nights only, they will transform into bartenders. Enjoy lively, in-depth conversations you wouldn’t normally hear while they’re at work!

Dates: Monday, September 22 – Tuesday (Public Holiday), September 23
　Venues: Special space on the 1st floor of Leben Takaoka / Sakasaka

Note: Event details are current as of the time of publication. For the latest information and event times, please check the official website (https://ichibamachi.jp).

＜Organizer’s Comment＞

We’d like to share a message from KUNIMOTO Kotaro, Chair of the Takaoka Craft Ichibamachi Executive Committee:

“The idea for ‘Ichibamachi’ began with a group of volunteers who wanted to boost the ‘Craft Competition in Takaoka’. It started with about four small events, but it has kept growing, and now, with related programs included, it has become an event connecting over 100 venues (as of 2024).

The name ‘Ichibamachi’ carries our hope that it will become a place where people and things meet, sparking new values and connections. We don’t want it to be lively only during the event period, but our goal is to encourage daily life and work in Takaoka to feel more vibrant all year round through constant new initiatives. We hope everyone who visits Takaoka will actively engage with it, too. We also involve local Toyama University in planning and preparation as a project-based class, and our volunteer team, the ‘Ichibamachi Cast’, includes students from universities all over Japan. Some people have even moved here or gotten married after participating.

These days, overtourism is becoming a problem in many Japanese tourist destinations, but Takaoka has a relaxed pace, a traditional atmosphere, and is a very comfortable place to stay. It’s not an artificial tourist spot, but a real town where people actually live their daily lives. I’d be delighted if visitors could truly feel that authentic charm.”

◆Mirare Kanayamachi

“Mirare Kanayamachi” is an event where you can experience “Kanayamachi,” Takaoka’s birthplace of cast metalwork, lined with traditional townhouses featuring lattice facades, up close and in person.

Over two days, you’ll get to know, see, and fully experience the charm of Kanayamachi. Activities include: a hands-on town-walking program where you stroll along the stone-paved streets and record your favorite spots on a scale model of Kanayamachi; interactive workshops taught directly by artists and craftspeople; tea gatherings with local residents; exhibitions and sales of craftworks; a gourmet alley featuring local specialties; and even a kimono fashion show.

Mirare Kanayamachi 2025 Event Overview
　Dates: Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21
　Venue: Around the Kanayamachi Stone-Paved Street
　Official Website: www.mirare-kanayamachi.com
　Inquiries: Mirare Kanayamachi Executive Committee 　mirarekanayamachi＠gmail.com　
　　　　　 Takaoka City Commercial Employment Division: 0766-20-1289

＜Organizer’s Comment＞

We’d like to share a message from YOKOYAMA Tenshin, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Art and Culture, Academic Research Division, University of Toyama, and Vice Chair of the Mirare Kanayamachi Executive Committee:

“Since 2008, we had been holding ‘Kanayamachi Rakuichi in Samanoko,’ an event that treated Kanayamachi as a ‘zoned museum’ for displaying craftworks. When we reached its 10th edition, we decided we wanted to make it something more connected to the town itself and contribute more directly to community development. That’s how ‘Mirare Kanayamachi’ started in 2018.

‘Mirare’ is a local dialect term meaning ‘please try [doing something].’ We came up with both the concept and the name of the event through workshops with local residents.

Beyond the event itself, we’ve also produced things like ‘Mousou 01–04,’ which introduced vacant houses and their reuse examples; the ‘Kanayamachi Life Map,’ highlighting attractive spots from the residents’ perspective; and ‘Ishidatami DM,’ which compiles interviews with earlier newcomers. These projects have all helped promote relocation to Kanayamachi.

Highlights of Mirare Kanayamachi include the kimono fashion show, craft exhibitions, and the ‘chat-over-tea’ space where local residents welcome visitors with tea and sweets. One especially recommended experience is enjoying a stroll in traditional Japanese attire. On the day of the event, you can rent a complete kimono set without a reservation and have it put on right there. I hope visitors will take this chance to experience the charming lifestyle of Kanayamachi and feel as if they’ve stepped back in time.”

◆Takaoka Craft Exhibition 2025

A comprehensive exhibition showcasing outstanding works by artisans from across Japan. Since its launch in 1986, the “Craft Competition in Takaoka” has been a unique, locally organized open-call exhibition with no restrictions on materials or function, helping to discover many young talents and artists over the years.

This exhibition will bring together a wide variety of works from all over Japan, including metalwork, lacquerware, glass, textiles, and furniture. You can even place a reservation order to purchase your favorite pieces.

Additionally, this year there are plans to hold an exhibition in Tokyo as well, introducing works and artists discovered through the competition. Don’t miss this chance to encounter exceptional pieces that showcase the beauty of their materials.

Takaoka Craft Exhibition 2025 Event Overview
　＜Takaoka Venue＞
　Dates: Friday, October 17 – Sunday, October 19
　Venue: Otaya Serio 2nd Floor Special Venue (101 Otaya-machi, Takaoka City)
　＜Tokyo Venue＞
　Dates: Thursday, December 18 – Saturday, December 27
　Location: GOOD DESIGN Marunouchi (1F, Shin-Kokusai Building, 3-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku)

　Official Website：www.ccis-toyama.or.jp/takaoka/craft
　Official Social Media：
　　　　　　Instagram：@takaoka_craft
　　　　　　Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/takaoka.craft/
　　　　　　X：https://x.com/crafttakaoka

Inquiries: Craft City Takaoka Craft Competition Executive Committee 　takaoka.craft@gmail.com
　　　　　　Inside Takaoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry: 0766-23-5002

◆Craft Fair Tsuginote

A craft fair focused on production regions, bringing together craft artists and makers from all over Japan in one place. In addition to markets and exhibitions, there will be workshops, food, music, and a kids’ area, all gathered on the top floor of the multi-story parking structure in front of Takaoka Station. Enjoy two days of fun with panoramic views of the city. The new connections and ideas born among those who create, use, and link things will become each participant’s own “Tsuginote”.

Craft Fair Tsuginote 2025 Event Overview
　Dates: Saturday, October 18 – Sunday, October 19
　Venue: Top Floor, Takaoka Municipal Central Multi-Story Parking Garage (6-11 Shimozeki-machi, Takaoka City)

Official Website：tsuginote.jp
　Official Instagram：@tsuginote_craft
　Inquiries: Tsuginote Executive Committee　tsuginote.craft@gmail.com　

● Industrial and Craft Expo Area

A special zone featuring industrial exhibition booths where manufacturers and artisans share their stories and offer hands-on experiences.

● Market & Craft Area

A market where creators from all over Japan gather, offering opportunities to meet and connect with the makers themselves. Food vendors will also be on-site, so you can relax and enjoy the whole day. There’s also a kids’ area where children can unwind (photo is for illustration purposes).

＜Organizer’s Comment＞

We’d like to share a message from HANEDA Jun of STUDIO ROLE, Representative of the Tsuginote Executive Committee:

“Tsuginote is a new type of festival that brings together people involved in manufacturing and craftsmanship from both inside and outside Toyama Prefecture. By showing each other their techniques and work, they can build new relationships and strengthen the production region as a whole. While open factories (which open workshops and factories to visitors) are the mainstream in today’s industrial tourism, there was a challenge because the more businesses that participate, the harder it becomes for visitors to see them all. This event solves that by having each exhibitor bring their ‘work’ into a single location, with booths about the size of one tsubo (approximately 3.3 m²), so visitors can see everything in one place.

Even visitors who aren’t involved in craftsmanship can experience the work firsthand through workshops and talk directly with artisans, letting them discover the appeal of craftsmanship that they wouldn’t usually get to see.

A key feature of this event is that exhibitors can showcase their ‘techniques’ even if they don’t have their own finished products. People in the manufacturing industry can look for potential partners by seeing these displays. In fact, collaborations between exhibitors have already emerged. And it’s not just connections within the same industry. It’s expanding to cross-industry collaborations, such as between the textile sector and Takaoka’s traditional industries.

This time, we’re hoping to welcome more families, so we plan to expand the kids’ area. We’re working with local high school students to create craft corners where children can enjoy making things, and planning spaces where they can create using factory offcuts and scrap materials.

With ‘Tsuginote,’ we want to help our production region grow through ‘this approach, that approach, and the next approach.’”

How about taking a journey where you can stroll leisurely through Takaoka’s traditional streets while discovering the vibrant appeal of its innovative craftsmanship? You’re sure to find unexpected new encounters waiting for you.

The artist-in-residence program “10dence – Japan AIR 2025,” organized by 10dence Platform, will be held at the Takaoka Dozo-zukuri Museum from Friday, April 4th. An exhibition will be held on Saturday, April 12th and Sunday, April 13th, where you can see the works that the participating artists created during the program.

What is an Artist-in-Residence?

An artist-in-residence (AIR) is an art program in which an artist stays in a certain place or region for a certain period of time while conducting research and creative activities. It is expected that this will lead to the discovery of new charms of the area that even the local residents may not have noticed, and that it will also revitalize the area through intercultural exchange.

The organizer of this event, 10dence Platform, is an art platform operated by the Dutch gallery “10dence gallery” planned and supervised by artist Ron Weijers. For “10dence – Japan AIR 2025,” two locations were selected as the venues: Kyoto City, where the event was held earlier, and Takaoka City.

Nine artists from Japan and abroad will participate. The theme is “JAPANESE ELEMENTS”.

Nine artists from the Netherlands, Belgium, the United States, and Japan will participate in this artist-in-residence program. The theme is “JAPANESE ELEMENTS”, and the concept is to continue the dialogue between abstraction and concreteness across history and culture. In addition to this overall concept, the participating artists will pursue their own artistic practice and create works based on their own style and concept.

[Participating artists]
　Francis Beaty (USA)
　Rose Bracke (Belgium)
　Nobxhiro Mido / 三堂信博 (Japan)
　Susumu Ohira / 大平奨 (Japan)
　Frédérique Rennuit (Belgium)
　Larisa Sjoerds (Netherlands)
　Michael Vecellio (USA)
　Ron Weijers (Netherlands)
　Keiko Yamamoto / 山本圭子 (Japan)

What kind of expressions will emerge from a deeper understanding of Takaoka’s history, local culture, traditional crafts and architectural techniques while staying at the Takaoka Dozo-zukuri Museum (a city-designated cultural asset) on Yamacho-suji Street?

An exhibition will be held on Saturday, April 12th and Sunday, April 13th, the final weekend of the residency, where artists will give explanations of their works (date and time to be determined) and you will also be able to interact with the artists through an interpreter. You may also come across artists strolling around Takaoka city during their residency. Why not experience a new charm of Takaoka and Japanese culture through interaction and appreciation of works?

Exhibition Details

●Theme: “JAPANESE ELEMENTS“
　　　　　　An exhibition of works by domestic and international artists reflecting on traditional Japanese culture
　●Dates: April 12th (Sat) & 13th (Sun), 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
　●Location: Takaoka Dozo-zukuri Museum (26 Konmadashi-machi, Takaoka City)
　●Admission: Free
　●Organizer: 10dence Platform
　●Supporter: Takaoka City Board of Education

The works of Fujiko F.Fujio, a manga artist from Takaoka City, often depict minor extraordinary events blending into daily life, causing commotion. Among these everyday moments, scenes featuring familiar foods play an integral role.Snacks that everyone loves, delicious-looking meals, and the characters’ favorite dishes. And sometimes, even extraordinary, unconventional cuisine makes an appearance…

At the Fujiko F.Fujio Hometown Art Gallery in Takaoka, the theme of “Cooking” and “Eating” is explored through the two-part original artwork exhibition “Scenes of Food in Manga” With a primary focus on the iconic Doraemon, a wide variety of original artworks from other works such as Mami the Psychic, Perman, and Shin Obake no Q-Taro have also been carefully selected and displayed.

Additionally, a new short film, An Otoshidama from the Universe, is being screened, and original pins and postcards released in conjunction with the new exhibition are available for purchase. Don’t miss the chance to visit this gallery filled with fascinating attractions!

Furthermore, the Doraemon Postbox, which has been watching over everyone using Takaoka Station from the first-floor Kotsu Plaza, was relocated in October 2024 to a spot near the station ticket gates for easier access and greater familiarity. Starting December 1, the postmark design stamped on mail will feature a special “11th Anniversary of the Doraemon Postbox” design. Whether commuting, traveling to school, or sightseeing, why not deliver a special letter with this unique postmark to someone dear?

■Fujiko F. Fujio Original Pictures Exhibition: “Scenes of Food in Manga”
　Exhibition Period: December 1, 2024 (Sunday) to November 24, 2025 (Monday)
　　　First Half: “What’s the Favorite Food?” December 1, 2024 (Sunday) to June 1, 2025 (Sunday)
　　　Second Half: “Let’s Cook It!” June 3, 2025 (Tuesday) to November 24, 2025 (Monday)
　　　※Please note that exhibition dates and schedules may change.

●Fujiko F.Fujio Hometown Art Gallery in Takaoka
　〔Address〕Takaoka Art Museum, 2nd Floor, 1-1-30 Nakagawa, Takaoka City
　〔Open Hours〕09:30 to 17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)
　〔Closed Days〕Mondays (Open on public holidays, closed the following weekday)
　　　　　　　　New Year’s holiday (December 29 to January 3)
　〔Admission Fee〕General & University Student: 500 yen (400 yen),
 　　　　　　　　　High School Student & Junior High School Student: 300 yen (240 yen),
 　　　　　　　　　Elementary School Student & Young Children (4 years and above): 200 yen (160 yen),
　　　　　　　　　Under 4 years of age: Free
　　　　　　　　　※The prices in parentheses apply to groups of 20 or more.
　　　　　　　　　※Free for holders of disability certificates and one companion.
　　　　　　　　　※400 yen for visitors aged 65 and over.
〔Website〕https://fujiko-artgallery.jp/
〔Contact〕0766-20-1170

©Fujiko-Pro

YouTube official channel operated by the culture creation city, Takaoka, is introducing the online performance movie “Travel Through Time Performances at Takaoka” showing the historical cultural heritage, townscape, and scenic places in Takaoka as the new stages by presenting the traditional arts, music, and dances performed by the artists in the city.

In addition to the five artworks including the western dances and chorus shown by now, they created the works and made it open using the row of cherry blossoms in Fukuoka Town as its stage.

It is said that the cherry blossoms along the Gandogawa River featured as the stage this time were planted to recover the brightness to children after the war and are very popular among people and chosen “The top 70 sites for viewing the cherry blossoms in Toyama”.

“Gagaku” is the Japanese artistic music inherited from 1,300 years ago.

Gagaku in Fukuoka Town started as the ceremony music at the shrines and temples and is proud of its about 160 years of history. It was designated as the Takaoka City Registered Intangible Cultural Assets and has been inherited by “Yoyukai”, a Gagaku music group.

In this artwork, they show two performances of “Ranryo-o“ and “Manzairaku“. You can enjoy the grace and heroical dances and the magnificent sounds of the winds and percussion under the fully blooming cherry blossoms.

The brightly colored costumes, elaborately designed masks, and dance costumes suited for the performance are also highlights of the performance. Please pay attention to the world view of Gagaku expressed in each performance.

2023 Video Production “Cherry Blossoms Dancing in the Eternity

[Location] Gandogawa River (Fukuoka Town)

[Contents] Gagaku (ancient Japanese court music)

[Performers] Yoyukai

〇Ranryo-o

This represents the struggle of Lan Ling Wang, a famous general’s army in ancient China. Chang Kung was a real-life 6th-century general who had a gentle and beautiful appearance, and it is said that he fought on the battlefield wearing a fearsome mask to maintain his dignity.

In The Tale of Genji, vol.“Minori”(The Rites), there is a very graceful scene where the dance of Lan Ling Wang was performed.

〇Manzairaku

This is a representative dance that has been performed since ancient times to pray for the peace of the land and is still performed today at the Daijyo-sai (Great Taste of Rice Festival), which marks the accession to the throne of the emperor.

This dance was inherited from China and there is a legend that it was created based on a phoenix that played in the court garden during the Sui Dynasty.

Wearing a hat called Torikabuto, the movements of the four dancers, dressed in brightly colored costumes, resemble a phoenix gracefully unfurling and closing its wings.

The name of Takaoka was quoted from one of the passages from the Book of Odes, “The Phoenix Cries on His High Hill”, and its performance is also deeply tied to Takaoka City.

Enjoy the videos we have released so far:

〇Harmony of the Four Seasons on Yamamacho-suji

[Shooting Location] Yamamachi-suji (Takaoka Mikurumayama Kaikan, Dozo-zukuri no Machi Museum, Yamamachi Valley, Red Brick Building), Suehirozaka Small Park

[Contents] Chorus

[Performers] Joto Ongakuin, Women’s Chorus “Doruchie”, Women’s Chorus “Voce Fontana”, Chorus Group “Ongaku Shitsu”, Boy Scouts of Japan Takaoka Troop 11 Beaver Colony

[Chorus Music Supervisor and Arranger] Chiyoko Matsui

〇The fragrant sound of the autumn mountain peaks

[Shooting location] Mt.Futagami, Bussharizan Bussekiji Temple

[Contents] Shakuhachi and flower arrangement

[Performers] The Tozanryu Shakuhachi Foundation　Grandmaster　Kozan Tokai (Shakuhachi), Flower arrangement master　Ikenobo Takaoka Branch (Flower arrangement）

〇Dancing in the moonlight at Shokoji Temple

[Shooting Location] Shokoji Temple

[Contents] Western dance, Koto music

[Performers] Kasai Dancing Company (Western Dance), Ikutaryuseigensha Katakagokai (Koto Music)

〇Traditional Dancing Cheering the Town of Metal Castors

[Shooting Location] Kanayamachi (Row of Houses with Lattice, Kanayamachi Pocket Park, Kanaya Green Park), Arisoshohachimangu

[Contents] Folk Dance, Folk Song

[Performers] Folk Dance, Folk Song Hananokai, Sato Matsukoryu Matsuhirokai, Yagaefu Preservation Society

〇Connecting Age and Culture

[Shooting Locations] Zuiryuji Temple, Amaharashi Coast (Roadside Station Amaharashi)

[Contents] Japanese Dancing

[Performers] Kiku Hanakawa (Hanakawaryu), National Institute of Technology, Toyama College Imizu Campus Japanese Dance Club

*******************************************

Each of these videos is a work that invites you to discover new attractions, by combining the historical assets and culture of Takaoka City with its own particular charms.

At the Takaoka Cultural Creativity City Official Channel on YouTube, you can see a digest version of approximately 4 minutes in addition to the main works.

Just sit back and enjoy works with different techniques and performances than you would normally see at a hall.

A famous manga artist of Japan known for his works such as “Doraemon” and “Kiteretsu Encyclopedia”

Fujiko F. Fujio was born in Takaoka City and spent his time there until moving to Tokyo at the age of 20.

To commemorate his 90th birthday on December 1 of Reiwa 5 (2023),

various commemorative projects will be held at the Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Art Gallery

in Takaoka and on the Doraemon Tram (Manyo Line).

We introduce recommended plans where you can enjoy the charm and world view

of Fujiko F. Fujio’s works.

〇Commemorative projects at the Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Art Gallery

◆　Celebrating the 90th anniversary of Fujiko F. Fujio, the “SF (Sukoshi Fushigi) no Essence”

The charm of Fujiko F. Fujio’s works, beloved by children across generations, will be introduced over three periods, focusing on unique motifs and themes.

First Period: “Thank you for inviting us! The mysterious lodgers”
　　　　　　　December 1, 2023 (Friday) to March 31, 2024 (Sunday)

2nd Period: “Am I a hero!?”
　　　　　　　April 2, 2024 (Tuesday) to July 28, 2024 (Sunday)

3rd Period: “Mysterious tools”
　　　　　　　July 30, 2024 (Tuesday) to November 27, 2024 (Wednesday)

The original color drawings in the permanent exhibition will also be replaced with original drawings exhibited for the first time at the Hometown Art Gallery, such as “Perman,” “T.P. Bon,” and “New Obake no Q-Taro.” In addition, a new original short movie will be shown, such as “Doraemon & F Character All-Stars ‘Sukoshi Fushigi Chotokkyu (Express).’”

Also, a photo spot with a special design for the 90th anniversary of Fujiko F. Fujio’s birth, where you can take pictures with him and many characters, will be set up. Why not take a commemorative photo when you visit?

During the period of the exhibition of original drawings, all visitors will receive an original stamp card where they can collect character stamps. There are three types of stamp designs for each period, so enjoy viewing the various original artworks and collecting the stamps!
(Admission fee is required to receive the stamp card.)

Fujiko.F.Fujio Hometown Art Gallery in Takaoka

〔Address〕Takaoka Art Museum, 2nd Floor, 1-1-30 Nakagawa, Takaoka City

〔Open Hours〕9:30 to 17:00（Entrance is before 16:30）

〔Closed Days〕Mondays ※ Open when Monday falls on a holiday and closed on next week day 
　　　　　　　　Beginning and End of Year（29th December to 3rd January)

〔Website〕https://fujiko-artgallery.jp/

〔Inquiries〕0766-20-1170

〇Commemorative Projects on the Doraemon Tram

The Manyo Line, connecting Takaoka City and Imizu City, operates a “Doraemon Tram” that is designed with Doraemon’s image both inside and outside to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Doraemon’s birth (September 3, 2012).

Starting from December 1st (Friday), a commemorative sticker for the 90th anniversary of Fujiko F. Fujio’s birth will be attached to the Doraemon Tram. Take a ride on the special Doraemon Tram to visit spots related to Fujiko.F.Fujio in the city.

In addition, limited quantities of the “Manyo Line 1-Day Free Ticket” and “Doraemon Paper Craft” with original designs commemorating the 90th anniversary of Fujiko F. Fujio’s birth will also be available for sale.

Sales Period: From December 1, Reiwa 5 (2023) to November 30, Reiwa 6 (2024)

Sale Locations: Manyo Line Head Office, Manyo Line Online Shop, Inside Manyo Line Trams (One-day Free Ticket only)

Price: One-day Free Ticket: 900 yen for adults, 450 yen for children

Paper Craft: 330 yen

Number of Tickets for Sale: One-day Free Ticket: 1,000 for adults, 500 for children

Paper Crafts: 1,000 pieces

Inquiries: Manyosen Co., Ltd., TEL 0766-25-4139

Official Website: https://www.manyosen.co.jp/

〇Commemorative Postmark Design of the Doraemon Post Box

At the Doraemon post box located on the first floor of Takaoka Station, a service is being provided where commemorative postmarks with a special design are stamped on mailed items. From December 1st, this commemorative postmark will feature the ‘Fujiko F. Fujio’s 90th Birth Anniversary’ design.

Why not send a letter with this special postmark to someone important to you?

The Takaoka City website introduces various spots around the city related to Fujiko F. Fujio. With this opportunity, we invite you to visit the Hometown Art Gallery and these spots to celebrate Fujiko F. Fujio-sensei’s 90th birth anniversary together!

Takaoka City Website: https://www.city.takaoka.toyama.jp/bunka/bunsou/dora/matome.html

Inquiries: Takaoka City Living Environment and Culture Department, Culture Promotion Division

TEL: 0766-20-1255

FAX: 0766-20-1666

©Fujiko-Pro

“Travel through Time Performances at Takaoka”, an online performance video showing traditional cultural arts, music, and dance by local artists is now distributed on the Takaoka Cultural Creativity City Official Channel on YouTube with historical cultural assets and the city scape of Takaoka as a new stage venues.

Last year we distributed three videos works showing traditional cultural arts and dance that were performed at Shokoji Temple, Kanayamachi, Zuiryuji Temple, and the Amaharashi Coast. On this occasion, we have produced and distributed two new works, with the stage set at Yamachosuji and Mt.Futagami!

Each work features an atmospheric stage, where history and culture are fused, and are all works worth watching.

The following is an introduction to the two works distributed on this occasion.

➀ Singing in Harmony with the Seasons in Yamachosuji

【Shooting place】Yamachosuji（Takaoka Mikurumayama Hall, Dozodukuri no Machi Museum, Yamacho Valley, Red brick building）, Suehirozaka Small Park

【Content】Chorus

【Performers】Joto Ongakuin, “Dolce” Female Chorus, Female Chorus Voce Fontana,
“Ongakushitsu” Chorus Group, Japan Boy Scouts Takaoka 11th Beaver Group

【Choral music supervision and arrangement】Chiyoko Matsui

Yamachosuji is a town with the remnants of a wide variety of historical landscapes, including brick houses and Western architecture, in addition to its storehouses, with their traditional Japanese architectural style, and for this reason, it has been designated as an important preservation district of historic buildings. (Within Takaoka City, the towns of Kanayamachi and Yoshihisa have received the same designation, and Takaoka is of only four cities nationwide to have three designated important preservation district of historic buildings within the same city.）

Kingetsu Murosaki, composer of “Sunset”, with the well-known lyrics “Gin-gin, Gira-Gira the Sunset is Setting” was born and raised in Yamachosuji, and after music composition activities in Tokyo, formed a people’s choir in the city, and developed a wide range of other musical activities.

The musical culture left by Kingetsu remains a treasure passed down today by the people of Takaoka. All four chorus groups, active within the City area, will sing children’s songs representing the four seasons on the stage that is the streets of Yamachosuji.

Please enjoy this beautiful harmony, where history and singing are interwoven.

▼Video ‘Singing in Harmony with the Seasons in Yamachosuji/online performance “/“Travel Through Time Performances at Takaoka” work’

②Spiritual Echoes on Colorful Autumn Peaks

【Shooting place】Mt.Futagami, Bussharizan Bussekiji Temple

【Content】Shakuhachi, flower arrangement

【Performers】The Tozanryu Shakuhachi Foundation　Grandmaster　Kozan Tokai (Shakuhachi), Flower arrangement master　Ikenobo Takaoka Branch (Flower arrangement）

Mt.Futagami is well known as a mountain blessed with an abundance of natural beauty that changes with the seasons. Otomo no Yakamochi, a representative poet of the Manyoshu, is known for being so impressed by the beautiful nature of Mt.Futagami that he expressed it in numerous poems.

Bussharizan Bussekiji Temple, on the “Mt.Futagami Manyo Line”, a driving course where you can enjoy the scenery of Mt.Futagami, is a direct descendant of Eihei-ji Temple (Fukui Prefecture), the head temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism, and is popular among local residents for its red-ink stamp tours, zazen meditation, sutra copying, and other activities. You are treated to a truly spectacular view of the Sea of Japan and the Tateyama Mountain range from the are in front of the Jizo-do.

The sound of the Shakuhachi played with Toyama Bay, the Tateyama Mountain Range, and Takaoka City Center in the background, leaves a soft, but powerful, impression. The flower arrangement performed in the austere space of Bussekiji Temple is also truly a sight to behold.

This video was planned, produced, and edited by students from the Toyama University Graduate School of Arts and Culture. Note the exciting chemistry between young sensibilities and traditional arts and culture.

▼Video “Spiritual Echoes on Colorful Autumn Peaks/Online Performance/“Travel Through Time Performances at Takaoka”

The videos distributed last year were the following:

〇Dancing in the moonlight at Shokoji Temple

【Shooting place】Shokoji Temple

【Content】Western dance, Koto music

【Performers】Kasai Dancing Company (Western Dance), Ikutaryuseigensha Katakagokai (Koto Music)

〇Traditional Dancing Cheering the Town of Metal Castors

【Shooting place】Kanayamachi (Row of Houses with Lattice, Kanayamachi Pocket Park, Kanaya Green Park), Arisoshohachimangu

【Content】Folk Dance, Folk Song

【Performers】Folk Dance, Folk Song Hananokai, Sato Matsukoryu Matsuhirokai, Yagaefu Preservation Society

〇Connecting Age and Culture

【Shooting place】Zuiryuji Temple, Amaharashi Coast (Roadside Station Amaharashi)

【Content】Japanese Dancing

【Performers】Kiku Hanakawa (Hanakawaryu), National Institute of Technology, Toyama College Imizu Campus Japanese Dance Club

*******************************************

Each of these videos is a work that invites you to discover new attractions, by combining the historical assets and culture of Takaoka City with its own particular charms.

At the Takaoka Cultural Creativity City Official Channel on YouTube, you can see a digest version of approximately 5 minutes in addition to the main works.

Just sit back and enjoy works with different techniques and performances than you would normally see at a hall.