The Thrilling Return of the Mount Fuji Kintaro Summer Festival

On July 25, the renowned Mount Fuji Kintaro Summer Festival took place in Oyama Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, showcasing local culture and community spirit. This year marked the festival's 62nd iteration, celebrated with energy and tradition.

The daytime festivities were organized by Kurura Fujioyama, an organization dedicated to enriching Oyama, in collaboration with Dooox, a Tokyo-based company that supports local initiatives. The event spanned both daytime and nighttime activities, packed into a single thrilling day.

A Flourishing Summer Festival

Set in the picturesque Ashigara Fureai Park, just beside the crystal-clear Ayuzawa River, attendees were welcomed by a bustling atmosphere filled with food stalls, merchandise booths, and performances on a specially erected stage. Various entertaining acts, including dance and music, drew in crowds and kept spirits high.

The highlight was the exciting “Oyama DE Donburako” river race, a unique summer tradition. Spectators cheered on participants as the competition filled the air with excitement and laughter, showcasing a sense of unity among all who attended.

With 69 teams taking part, participation spanned from local businesses to families, embodying the essence of Oyama Town’s natural beauty, culture, and community vitality. The festival was a melting pot of ages, ensuring everyone found joy in the day’s events.

Dynamic Stage Events Organized by Kurura Fujioyama

Continuing their commitment from the previous year, Kurura Fujioyama managed stage events during the daytime portion of the festival. The entertainment lineup included performances from the broom-twirling Sakunoki, the local dance group DANCE Mai-Mu, and a delightful bossa nova duo. From the stage’s opening at 11 AM to the closing ceremony, the audience remained engaged and spirited.

This year's event was enhanced by the lessons learned from last year’s operations, allowing for a more polished schedule and ensuring that each performer could shine in the allotted time.

Community Contribution and Unique Attractions

In addition to organizing performances, Kurura Fujioyama also ran a unique booth featuring a water gun shooting game, where children and adults alike could win prizes. The enthusiasm from attendees was palpable as they vied for glory in this fun-filled contest.

A standout feature was the distribution of Kintaro Water, a locally produced product that was distributed frozen to help combat the summer heat amidst the competitions, showcasing the community's ingenuity and spirit.

An Evening of Fireworks and New Initiatives

As day transitioned into night, the energy shifted dramatically. After enjoying local vendors and prizes, the crowd eagerly anticipated the night’s grand finale: a stunning fireworks display launched at 8:45 PM, illuminating the night sky above Mount Fuji. The festival buzzed continuously from morning till night, making it a day of celebration.

This year also saw efforts to encourage youth participation through initiatives like “Rakeation,” allowing school children to attend without penalizing their absence from regular classes. Furthermore, students from Tokai University set up booths, bridging connections between the youth and local residents to transform the festival into an interactive space.

Looking Forward

Kurura Fujioyama has plans for future events beyond the river race, intending to incorporate surrounding areas to enhance the festival experience. The organization remains dedicated to supporting local residents in their journey toward greater community engagement and revitalization.

About Kurura Fujioyama

Kurura Fujioyama, located in Oyama Town, is committed to furthering local dynamism through collaborative efforts with various businesses. Prospective plans include developing local gourmet products and organizing events, alongside establishing a general incorporation body to solidify their ongoing initiatives.

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About Dooox

Dooox, established in June 2021 and headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, is dedicated to creating a world where individuals can passionately engage in their own stories, promoting challenges and revitalization across regions, focusing on sustainable community development.