#Japan #Higashimurayama #Kokubunji #Kokubunji Marui #Local Festival

Discover Local Charms at 'I LOVE Higashimurayama'

From November 12 to 18, 2025, the Kokubunji Marui in Tokyo hosted the event 'I LOVE Higashimurayama', aimed at showcasing the unique qualities of Higashimurayama City. This collaborative effort between the city and the popular shopping destination allowed many visitors to explore a range of local specialties and crafts, particularly those created by local elementary school students.

Engaging Local Experiences: A Showcase of Higashimurayama

During the week-long event, a significant number of guests came through the doors, eager to dive into the region's rich culture and culinary delights. Many expressed their excitement, saying things like "I want to learn more about food culture" and "I want to attend the next event!" This initiative was viewed as a successful platform to highlight the new and intriguing aspects of the local area.

A Vibrant Collaboration with Local Youth

Sixth graders from the Higashimurayama Municipal Kasei Elementary School participated actively in the event, teaming up with local stores and Kokubunji Marui's shops. They took on the challenge of planning, developing, and selling their own bento boxes. Initially nervous, the students quickly warmed up as they interacted with customers, their smiles becoming more frequent as they engaged in selling their creations. The bento boxes were an overwhelming hit, attracting numerous customers and showcasing the value of local collaboration.

The innovative bento featured:

• - Chinese-style bento brimming with local Higashimurayama specialties (in collaboration with Sho-Ryu-En).
• - A gourmet burger utilizing the new local delicacy, black curry (in collaboration with Kichin Keiji Restaurant).
• - The charming region's five local mascots found their way into a unique rice dish (in collaboration with Kojare Kitchen).

Students handed out flyers while promoting their offerings, making the experience a delightful educational journey.

A Taste of Local Delicacies

A vibrant corner of the event hosted many of Higashimurayama’s local products, including sake, handmade side dishes, and seasonal vegetables. Visitors enjoyed discovering the region's “delicious charm,” leading them to say things like, "I've never tasted anything like this before" and "I want to learn more about the area's food culture." The emphasis on quality ingredients truly highlighted the local wealth.

Hands-On Experience: Handmade Udon Class

The cooking class focusing on handmade udon noodles garnered significant interest as participants of all ages engaged in the craft—from kneading the dough to stretching it. Higashimurayama is renowned for its Musashino udon, known for its robust texture and simple flavors. Attendees enjoyed a rare opportunity to learn the traditional methods, receiving positive feedback such as, "I want to participate again" and "I’d like to make this at home."

Participants had the chance to learn directly from the owner of the popular noodle shop Noguchi Seimenjo, whose guidance made the process enjoyable and educational.

Special Appearances from Local Characters

On the weekend, the local mascots from Higashimurayama delighted visitors, filling the Kokubunji Marui with joy and enthusiasm. Enthusiastic attendees marvelled at the chance to meet all five local characters in one place, creating a buzz of excitement as people took photos and enjoyed the interaction.

Voices from Participants

• - 6th graders from Kasei Elementary: "It was fantastic to see our classroom ideas materialize into real bento boxes and to explain them to customers!"
• - Local business representatives: "We were thankful to showcase our products in such a high-traffic area, increasing awareness of our brand, leading to product sales through customer tasting events."
• - Udon workshop participants: "It was wonderful to learn from the local udon master and taste my own noodles. I’m pleased I joined this experience!"

Closing Thoughts from the Mayor

Mayor Watanabe expressed gratitude for the event's success, remarking on the high visitor turnout and the opportunity for the community to engage with local culture and heritage. He emphasized the importance of such events in generating awareness and fostering connections with the regional uniqueness.

Kokubunji Marui's Commitment

Kokubunji Marui remains dedicated to collaborating with local communities, aiming to broaden opportunities for visitors to experience and celebrate the local charm. This commitment ensures everyone, from children to adults, can feel a sense of ownership and joy in contributing to the region's vibrancy through various engaging activities and events. They aspire to build a better community by continually assessing what they can do for others and society at large.

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