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Canon Marketing Japan Supports the 9th Kesennuma Katsuo Festival

In a remarkable initiative, Canon Marketing Japan (CMJ) partnered with the Kesennuma City Fresh Katsuo Promotion Committee to enhance the 9th Kesennuma Katsuo Festival by providing a photography program. This effort is part of CMJ's ongoing commitment to the 'Smile for the Future' project, aimed at supporting recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake.

The Significance of Kesennuma

Situated in Miyagi Prefecture, Kesennuma City has achieved the impressive feat of being the top producer of fresh katsuo (bonito) in Japan for 28 consecutive years. This festival not only celebrates this heritage but also marks the 350th anniversary of the traditional ‘katsuo tame-tsuri’ fishing method, which was introduced from Shingu in Wakayama Prefecture.

The festival is scheduled to run from July 1 to July 31, 2025, and CMJ's involvement underscores the importance of showcasing the traditions and fishing industry of Kesennuma.

Event Highlights

On July 5, 2025, the photography program under the 'Smile for the Future' project allowed participants to engage with local fisheries through visits to the Kesennuma Fish Market, fisheries information centers, and cooking studios. Participants captured the essence of Kesennuma's present and historic allure through their lenses.

As a memorable conclusion to the event, participants selected their favorite photographs from the day, which CMJ printed as keepsakes. The community came together, with local high school students and families joining the festivities. Many expressed how the photos initiated conversations, leading to deeper connections with local residents. The collective sentiment was a desire to share Kesennuma’s charm with a wider audience.

CMJ’s role in lending cameras, providing photographic support, and offering printing services ensured that everyone could share in the joy of photography and help promote the region's appeal.

The Smile for the Future Project

Launched in January 2012, Canon MJ's 'Smile for the Future' project focuses on recovery initiatives in the three affected prefectures post the tsunami disaster. Emphasizing the theme of 'Enjoy Photography,' the project is dedicated to fostering communication among people and nurturing children's creativity through visual arts.

For more information, please contact Canon MJ's Tohoku Recovery Promotion Office at 022-217-3204, or visit the Smile for the Future Project website.

Through these unwavering efforts, Canon Marketing Japan continues to support local communities in rebuilding and sharing their narratives, ultimately reinforcing the connection between the past and future of Kesennuma.