The 5-day pre-event for the main festival in 2027 was successfully completed.

On the final day, at the former Hira San Elementary School in Ichihara City, a “Sports Day for Onigiri!” was held. After being greeted by Mr. Toriumi, the chairman of Gathering Plaza Hei-san, as the principal of the school, everyone got ready for the event with radio calisthenics. After the usual bread-eating contest and tug-of-war, which are staples of athletic meets, the three participants had a great time in the “Kikuraki-Poppo Race,” a new competition in which three people ride on cardboard boxes modeled after the Kominato Railway, Isumi Railway, and Kururi Line that support the area’s transportation system. At the end, everyone participated in the customary onigiri (rice ball) rolling🍙. The result of the day’s fierce competition was that the white team won!　After the trophy was awarded by Principal Toriumi, everyone enjoyed a delicious meal of onigiri made by local mothers. After eating the onigiri, participants continued to appreciate the art of the former Hirazan Elementary School and play on the playground.

On these two days, Artist Mori Yasushi held a “Burying Artwork in the Soil Workshop” at the former Satomi Elementary School. on the first day, all participants dug a hole, and on the second day, they were able to put the artwork in the hole, cover it with soil and bury it. at the main festival in 2027, everyone will dig this up again! We will dig it up again at the main festival in 2027. I am very much looking forward to seeing what it will look like.

For five days, visitors were able to view approximately 40 artworks, including new works, in addition to the permanent collection.

The deadline for the open call for artworks is finally tomorrow, March 31 (Tuesday).
Please look forward to seeing what kind of artworks will be created for next year’s main festival.