Minato Citizens Festival

Date & Time: Sat., Oct. 8, 2022 11:00 to 17:00
　　　　　　Sun., Oct. 9, 2022 10:00 to 16:00
Venue: Minato City Shiba-Park

The Minato Citizens Festival has been suspended for a few years due to the pandemic.  We felt the signs of autumn in Shiba Park on the Festival dates although it rained on Friday.  Designated entrance & exit gates were provided and eating & drinking spaces were regulated to prevent COVID 19 infection.   A total of about 200,000 people visited during the two-day event.

　The Minato UNESCO Association set up a tent to introduce extensive activities promoted by each committee, for new member recruitments, and also held a mini bazaar.  We actively reached out to visitors to our tent, instead of just sitting still beside erected publicity panels.

　At the mini bazaar, it was fun to notice what kind of items people are interested in, and to know that different items sell well depending on Saturday or Sunday and the hour of day.  There was a 5~6 year-old girl who found a mirror with a cute character on it.  She wanted to get it. Her mother told the girl to purchase it from her own allowance.  Thus, the girl paid 100 yen from her pretty purse.  In addition, she bought a wooden small toy for her little brother in the stroller.  It was a lovely scene to see for all of us.

　We had similar wonderful experiences during the two days. We would like express our appreciation to everyone who either donated valuable goods, or cooperated with transportation, tent setting, or bazaar sales.

(Written by ISOBE T., VP & Chairperson, the Minato Citizens Festival Committee, and translated by KODAMA Y., the PR & Internet Committee)