Kurashiki Club

Welcome to "Kurashiki Club." Here you will find information about Kurashiki City, news, events and items from Kurashiki that we feel might be of interest. Foreign residents will find additional information and support in the International Affairs top page.

Please check back ocassionally to see what's new in Kurashiki.

What's New

Solar Panel Support

Kurashiki city is taking positive action to prevent global warming and protect the environment. As an example, they are promoting the use of solar energy to home owners, taking advantage of the high sunshine hours in the prefecture. Since 2004 the city has offered financial assistance to those installing home use solar energy systems.

i-MiEV

Kurashiki City have added a Mitsubishi i-MiEV to its fleet of city vehicles. The i-MiEV, manufactured at the Mitsubishi plant in Kurashiki's Kojima Industrial Area is an electric car producing no exhaust fumes and the purchase represents Kurashiki's commitment to becomming a "green" local authority whilst supporting local industry.

Bikan Becoming Better

Construction work continues this month in areas around Kurashiki's Bikan Historical Quarter. Workers are moving electrical wires underground as part of a five year plan that also includes the dismantlement of part of the shopping arcade, and addition of night lighting to the Bikan Area. The plan is due to be completed in April 2010.

Swine Flu scare puts paid to international programs

Concerns for student health and safety in the face of the current spread of swine flu have lead city officials to cancel international student exchange programs planned with sister cities in America, New Zealand, and Austria. The Hosting of student groups from Kansas and Christchurch cities were planned for July and October recpectively with outgoing groups planned for the August summer vacation. In addition, a single student from Sankt Polten was due to visit a Kurashiki High school on a one month program - the first of its kind.

Monogatari Kan

The Kurashiki Monogatari-Kan opened on April 24th. At the entrance to the Bikan Historical Quarter, the complex is designed as a venue for local citizens and visitors to interact. With it's roofed gate and storehouse, the complex, made in the edo period style and in keeping with the atmosphere of the Bikan Area, conveys the tastes of the Edo period to contemporary visitors and offers a sense of "Kurashikiness".

　

Inside you will find a display room, japanese style rooms, multi-purpose hall, meeting room, etc. many of which are available for hire. 　

Farewell Tivoli

Attendance at Tivoli Park's year-end countdown tonight is expected to be greater than usual as Kurashiki prepares to farewell the Park. The Dutch theme park closes it's doors tonight after 11 years of continuous operation.

Festival Season

Festivals abound in Kurashiki. Today alone sees the International Festival at the Kurashiki Art and Culture Hall, the 'byobu' screen festival in the Bikan Historical Quarter, the 'Oni' Devil Festival in Chayamachi, and the Yaku Shrine's Autumn Festival in Tsurajima (video above).

Mayor Ito

Kurashiki Mayor, Kaori Ito, performed her first official duties today since being elected. A graduate of Tokyo University and Harvard Law School, Mayor Ito becomes one of only 18 female Mayors in Japan and, at 42 years of age, one of the youngest too.

Sister City Flowers in Bloom

A Horse Chestnut tree planted on September 30th, 2007 at the Kurashiki Cultural and Arts Hall in commemoration of 50 years of Sister City relations between Kurashiki and Sankt Polten bloomed for the first time this year. It is covered in beautiful pink flowers. One wonders whether the cherry blossom tree planted at the same time in Sankt Polten is also in bloom. Here's hoping that both trees will continue to grow just as the friendship between the two cities.

Spring in Kurashiki

Cherry blossoms are in bloom now in Kurashiki. Families and couples are heading for their favorite viewing spots and enjoying picnics under the trees - a traditional past-time known as "Hanami". Favorite spots in Kurashiki include "Sakazu Park", "Tsurugatayama" and "Tanimatsuyama". Kurashiki citizens are hoping for continued good weather and a long bloom.

Seto Ohashi - 20 years.

The Seto Ohashi Bridge is the worlds longest combined rail / road bridge. The bridge connects Shikoku with the mainland, linking Kurashiki with Sakaide.

In April this year, citizens of Okayama and Kagawa will celebrate 20 years since the opening of the bridge and the linking of the two prefectures. In commemoration, a number of events will be held between April and October.

Haruyoi Akari

From Wednesday the 19th of March to Sunday the 23rd the Kurashiki Bikan Area will be illuminated each evening from 6p.m. to 9p.m.

Streets, buildings and the riverside will be lit by candles, lanterns and street lights to create a romantic atmosphere and great photo opportunities.

Spend a spring evening in the Kurashiki Bikan Area enjoying the scenery and a stroll along the candle-lit river. There will also be concerts and candle lantern workshops at the Kurashiki Hall and Shinkeien (map). .

For more information call 086 421 7005 or check out the pamphlet for more photos.

First Snow

Kurashiki had its first snow fall for 2008 last night. The morning commute was a bit slower than usual as workers drove with extra caution on the icy roads. Some parts of the prefecture had up to 45 cm. of snow. Here in Kurashiki we had about 5cm. The Bullet Train ran late on some routes and some highways were briefly closed.

Click photos for enlargements.

Naming Swans

Kurashiki City is accepting suggestions for names for the pair of swans (one male, one female) that inhabit the river flowing through the Bikan Historical Quarter. The swans were originally gifted to Kurashiki by the cities of Himeji and Ako. Suggestions for names will be accepted until the end of January. You can submit your entry by email to trsmins@city.kurashiki.okayama.jp

Quiz Question

What do you think this is?

An encounter with previously unknown aliens just descended from their UFO?

No, no. These representatives of the Shimotsui area are sun dried octopi.
Exposing them to the cold wind is said to bring out their flavor.
Truly delicious, an unforgettable flavor and no mistake!

New "Kurashiki Club" page

The "Kurashiki" Club Homepage opens.

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