#Japan #Tokyo #OFF TOKYO #Namie Town #Moriyama Ito

Experience the Present and Traditions of Namie Town

On May 18, 2026, a captivating event titled "Experience the Present of Namie Town - Pre-Session for the Rice Planting Dance and Local Tour" will take place at OFF TOKYO in the heart of Chuo, Tokyo. This initiative, organized by Sibire Corporation, aims to shed light on the life in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture, following the devastation caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The event serves as a precursor to a local tour scheduled for July and focuses on traditional cultural practices such as the Rice Planting Dance and Bon Odori.

The session will feature Mari Ito, vice-chair of the Hiwatashi and Ushiwata Rice Planting Dance Preservation Society, who will share insights about cultural inheritance and the significant changes that have occurred in Namie since the disaster. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to not only learn about but also participate in the Rice Planting Dance through interactive activities, alongside enjoying the flavors of local cuisine during a networking gathering.

Background of the Event

Namie Town has experienced drastic changes due to the aftermath of the earthquake and the nuclear disaster, which led to a complete evacuation of its residents. As time has passed, the residents are gradually rebuilding their lives and re-establishing local culture. A crucial question arises: How can we pass down traditional festivals and performing arts to the next generation? This event encourages attendees to delve deeper into the cultural significance of engaging with the community.

Guests will be invited to not only observe the cultural practices but also experience them firsthand, creating a connection to the current realities faced by the residents of Namie Town. This pre-session aims to encourage discussions and thoughts about how participants can engage with the community ahead of the July tour.

Event Overview

• - Event Name: Experience the Present of Namie Town - Pre-Session for the Rice Planting Dance and Local Tour
• - Date: May 18, 2026 (Monday), 19:00 - 21:00
• - Location: Local Hub Space “OFF TOKYO”, 21-1 Nihombashi Kodenmachou, 2nd Floor, THE PORTAL Nihombashi East, Chuo, Tokyo
• - Participation Format: In-person or online
• - Fee: In-person: 1,000 JPY (Online: Free)
• - Registration URL: Register Here

Program Schedule

• - 19:00 - 19:10: Opening

An introduction to the event background and information on the upcoming local tour in July.

• - 19:10 - 19:30: Current Status of Namie

Discussion about the progress after the earthquake and the changes occurring in everyday life in Namie Town.

• - 19:30 - 20:00: Rice Planting Dance Talk Session & Experience

Speaker: Mari Ito, Vice-Chair of Hiwatashi and Ushiwata Rice Planting Dance Preservation Society.
- Efforts of the preservation society
- The history and significance of the Rice Planting Dance
- Real experiences in passing down community culture.

• - 20:00 - 21:00: Networking Session (Social Gathering)

Enjoy local culinary delights such as Namie Yakisoba and Ibaraki Junmai Sake by Suzuki Sake Brewery while networking with participants.

Spotlights on the Day

• - The official mascot of Namie Town, Ukedon, will make an appearance.
• - A showcase of unique local foods from Namie.
• - Direct interactions with local stakeholders.
• - Obtain details about the planned local tour in July ahead of time.

Who Should Attend?

• - Those seeking new ways to connect with their communities.
• - Individuals interested in moving or living in multiple regions.
• - Anyone with an interest in Fukushima Prefecture or Namie Town.
• - Those enthusiastic about the inheritance of community culture and festivities.
• - People wishing to partake in meaningful experiences rather than just tourism.

About OFF TOKYO

OFF TOKYO is a local hub space themed around living without constraint to Tokyo, fostering new connections and values with local communities. It serves as a gathering point for those engaging with their regions in diverse ways, promoting exchange and collaboration.

About Sibire Corporation

• - Headquarters: 21-1 Nihombashi Kodenmachou, Chuo, Tokyo
• - Established: January 2016
• - CEO: Mizuho Suzuki
• - Capital: 11,000,000 JPY
• - Website: sibire.co.jp
• - Business Activities: Community revitalization, promotional support, video distribution, system development, and creative production.
• - Contact Email: [email protected]
• - Business Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Contact via email only)

Join us for this insightful evening where tradition meets community resilience, and let your journey into Namie Town begin!