#Japan #Tokyo #Phoenix Festival #Hongo #Local Collaboration

The 33rd Phoenix Festival: A Unique Community Engagement

Event Overview

The Toyo Gakuen University will host the 33rd Phoenix Festival, titled "郷郷祭り" (Kyōkyō Festival), on the dates of October 11 and 12, 2025. This year's event is particularly special as it coincides with the inaugural collaboration with the local community's "Ooyoko Street Children's Day" event, taking place on the 12th. Students will contribute as volunteers and game organizers, fostering stronger ties with the local community.

Strengthening Local and University Bonds

This collaboration originates from the desire to invigorate the local area. Traditionally held in July, the "Hongo Ooyoko Street Summer Festival" will now be integrated into the university's festival schedule upon a proposal from the Hongo Ooyoko Street Business Association. This initiative allows for a unique blend of student creativity, showcased within the university campus, alongside enriching local engagements at the "Ooyoko Street Children's Day" event, where students from the Faculty of Human Sciences, led by Associate Professor Fumitaka Tanemura, will be actively volunteering and managing game corners like Mölkky. A shared stamp rally will also be conducted across both venues to enhance the festival experience.

Engaging Student Projects and Performances

The Phoenix Festival will feature a variety of activities ranging from presentations and exhibitions by different circles and seminars, dynamic stage performances, and booths where students showcase their talents. With this year’s slogan, "‘Sakura Hanran’ – Let the vitality of students bloom and color the campus!", the festival will be a vibrant manifestation of each student’s individuality and creativity over the two days.

This cooperative effort between the university and local businesses not only serves as a valuable learning opportunity for students to deepen their connection with the community but is also anticipated to contribute significantly to revitalizing the entire Hongo area.

Event Details

• - Date: October 11 (Saturday) & October 12 (Sunday), 2025
• - Time: Each day from 10:00 to 18:00
• - Location: Toyo Gakuen University (1-26-3 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo)
• - Slogan: "‘Sakura Hanran’ – Let the vitality of students bloom and color the campus!"
• - Activities: Presentations and displays by various circles/seminars, stage performances, student-run booths, participation in the local collaboration project "Ooyoko Street Children's Day" (October 12 only)
• - Official Website: Toyo Gakuen University

Local Children’s Day Event Overview

• - Date: October 12 (Sunday), 2025
• - Time: 13:00 − 17:00
• - Location: Ooyoko Street (2-chome, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo)
• - Organizer: Hongo Ooyoko Street Business Association
• - Activities: Street Izakaya, game corners
• - Student Participation: Volunteer staff, management of the game corner (Mölkky)

In summary, the 33rd Phoenix Festival promises to be a vibrant fusion of university spirit and local culture, creating an enriching experience for all involved.