#Japan #GUNZE #Ayabe #Beetle Sumo

GUNZE Sponsoring the 3rd Ayabe Beetle Sumo Tournament

GUNZE Corporation, headquartered in Osaka and led by President Takahiro Oka, is delighted to announce its sponsorship of the 3rd Ayabe Beetle Sumo Tournament. This vibrant event will take place in Ayabe City, Kyoto, the company's founding location. GUNZE will provide the venue, the GUNZE Museum of Natural History, to host the tournament.

The unique beetles competing in this lively contest will be sourced from the sustainable materials used in the Kyoto Model Forest Movement, which GUNZE has been developing since 2010. The organization NPO Satoyama Net Ayabe has successfully raised these beetles outdoors utilizing bamboo chips and wood resources, demonstrating a remarkable cycle of nature that not only benefits the environment but also engages local youth.

This year's tournament aims to transform nature conservation into a summer entertainment spectacle for children, creating an innovative local SDGs model that emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship and community future. The previous year's event gained considerable attention and participation, building anticipation for this year’s activities.

Details of the 3rd Ayabe Beetle Sumo Tournament

The tournament will unfold on July 20, a national holiday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Here are the key event details:

• - Venue:

- Registration: From 9:00 AM in front of Ayabe Local Specialty Pavilion (Entry Fee: 500 yen)
- Opening Ceremony: 9:45 AM at GUNZE Museum of Natural History
- Matches: From 10:00 AM, also at GUNZE Museum of Natural History
- Viewing Area: Public viewing for those unable to enter is available on the 2nd floor of GUNZE Future Museum.

Entry for watching the games at both locations is free of charge.

The tournament is organized by the Ayabe Beetle Sumo Tournament Executive Committee, which comprises representatives from various local organizations, including the Ayabe Local Specialty Pavilion, GUNZE Museum of Natural History, and the Ayabe Tourism Association.

Registration for the 3rd Ayabe Beetle Sumo Tournament

Participants can register through the designated application form available at this link or via the QR code provided at necessary locations. Personal information submitted will be handled vigilantly, used solely for the organization of the event.

Important Notes

1. Only indigenous Japanese beetles shall be used in the competition. Exotic species like Hercules Beetles are not permitted.
2. The entry fee of 500 yen does not include a beetle; participants must bring their own or purchase one on-site at Ayabe Local Specialty Pavilion (cost: male 500 yen, female 300 yen).
3. Eating and drinking are not allowed inside the venue, except for hydration.
4. Participants are required to submit their beetle’s names (wrestler names) upon registration (e.g., Kabuto Maru).
5. Two backup beetles can be registered under the same name to ensure proper care.
6. Photographs taken during the event may be used on official websites and social media of the organizing committee for promotional purposes.

The event will also feature a variety of activities within the Ayabe Local Specialty Pavilion area, including a festival booth and food trucks, along with the sale of adult beetles on the pavilion terrace. This promises to be an exciting event for families and local enthusiasts alike, shining a spotlight on environmental initiatives and community engagement.

Join us in celebrating this fantastic event where nature meets local culture at the Ayabe Beetle Sumo Tournament, powered by GUNZE!