We will introduce the efforts of the Reiwa 6th year school town collaboration project.

The “Gakumachi Collaboration Project” is a “learning town collaboration project” in which universities and students and the local community collaborate to recruit and support projects and projects that work on urban development and regional revitalization in Kyoto.
We would like to inform you of the efforts of this year’s selected organizations!

【Activities】Kyoto Women’s University, Kyoto University, Ryukoku University “Student Group K-Bond”
On Friday, August 16th, the “Keihoku Bon Odori Festa 2024“, a traditional summer event involving the student group K-Bond, was held, and we visited it!

This is the third year of the student organization K-Bond.
It is an organization consisting of students from Kyoto Women’s University, Ryukoku University, and Kyoto University.

Focusing on the situation where the number of Bon Odori performers is decreasing and is in danger of disappearing due to the rapidly declining birthrate and aging population in the Keihoku region, we are working with local residents to revitalize the area, preserve Bon Odori, and disseminate the appeal of Keihoku Bon Odori from a young perspective targeting young people.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　The “Keihoku Bon Odori Festa” that we visited this time is held every year on August 16 to inherit Bon Odori, which is one of the cultures of Keihoku. Starting with Tamba Ondo, which is said to be “Joruri Kuzushi”, we will dance in Ondo, where the scenery and characteristics of each region such as Yamakuni, Yuge, Shuzan, and Utsu no Sato-Ondo are sung.
This year, about 12~13 students and working adults participated in the “Keihoku Bon Odori Festa” at the invitation of K-Bond, as well as members of other selected organizations who met at the exchange meeting of the Gakumachi Collaboration.
The gymnasium of the former Keihoku Daiichi Elementary School, the venue, was attended by many people, regardless of age or gender, and it was the first summer festival scene in a long time!

When I asked Mr. Nakano, a member of the student group K-Bond, about “interaction with local people,” he said,
“I regularly visit the Keihoku area, actively participate in Bon Odori practice, community gatherings and events, and enjoy my activities with the cooperation of many local people.

When the Bon Odori season is over, you will be introduced to the Bon Odori of Keihoku from a digital perspective, such as distributing it on YouTube and archiving the Bon Odori, as well as practicing Bon Odori and singing.

Please continue to work hard with the local people to convey the charm of Bon Odori in Keihoku!!