Celebrating Summer with the Community — Student Volunteers Join the 2nd Daiwatari Bon Odori Festival (Sunday,August 17)

On Sunday, August 17, 2025, ten volunteer students from our university (five Japanese students and five international students) participated in the 2nd Daiwatari Bon Odori Festival held at Daiwatari Hachiman Shrine.

This festival was launched last year in the Daiwatari area near the university, with the aim of revitalizing the local community. As many traditional events have been discontinued due to aging populations, declining birthrates, and the impact of COVID-19, the Daiwatari community took the initiative to create a new large-scale summer event to reconnect people and foster local ties. Now in its second year, the festival has become a symbol of community resilience and renewal.

The students joined the event in response to a request for support from local organizers. Gathering at 3:00 p.m., they began with a Bon Odori dance rehearsal, learning local dances such as Datte Ibaraki Dappe and Kōmon Bayashi under the warm guidance of community members. One Japanese student reflected, “I used to join local festivals as a child, but this was my first time participating again as a university student. It was nostalgic and really fun.”

After the rehearsal, the students changed into staff T-shirts and moved to the festival grounds, where they managed the “Kids’ Corner.” They ran games like rock-paper-scissors for candy, a lottery, and traditional yo-yo fishing, engaging with many children throughout the evening. Surrounded by smiles and laughter, the students actively interacted with each child. One international student shared, “I was so happy to see so many children come. I really felt the joy of Japanese summer.”

The students also helped with the children’s portable shrine (mikoshi) procession, supporting the young participants with chants of “Wasshoi! Wasshoi!” and ensuring their safety while energizing the crowd.

Later in the evening, the students joined the Bon Odori circle, dancing alongside local residents and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Another Japanese student commented, “I was surprised to see people of all ages—from children to seniors—participating. It made me realize the potential of community revitalization through events like this.”

Participation in such local events offers students more than just volunteer experience—it provides a meaningful opportunity to connect with the community, engage across generations and cultures, and encounter diverse perspectives. By linking academic learning with real-world practice, students begin to see themselves as active members of society, deepening their understanding of local issues and fostering a sense of civic responsibility.

For the students, the Daiwatari Bon Odori Festival was not only a celebration of summer, but also a chance to experience culture, build relationships, and reflect on the future of the community—an irreplaceable moment of learning and growth.