32nd Hayashima Kurashiki Hanza Festival Decided! ~Two Days to Experience the Charm of Igusa~

Hagiwara Corporation (Headquarters: Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture) is pleased to announce its participation in the annual event "32nd Hayashima Kurashiki Hanza Festival," where visitors can experience the appeal of "igusa" and "hanza," specialty products representing southern Okayama Prefecture. This year's "Hayashima Kurashiki Hanza Festival" will be held over two days, Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28, 2026.

Scenes from the 31st Hayashima Kurashiki Hanza Festival in 2025

The venue will feature numerous local wholesalers and manufacturers exhibiting and selling a wide variety of igusa products, including hanza and ueshiki (tatami mat covers). In addition to special prices during the event, many hands-on activities will be available to experience igusa culture and traditional techniques. Furthermore, participatory events for the whole family, such as a giant maze, karuta (card game) competition, and hanza ping pong experience, are also planned. Local businesses will also have food and drink booths, making it a two-day event to see, touch, and taste.

This year, as a new initiative, we will host a Rakugo storytelling session with igusa as the theme. Featuring Rakugo performer Shokichi Shunpūtei, this special performance will offer a fun and engaging way to learn about the history and culture of igusa through laughter. We invite you to experience the charm of the region's proud igusa culture.

Main Event Contents

Igusa Product Sales Zone

Exhibition and sale of hanza, ueshiki, and various igusa products, including a tatami mat consumption expansion campaign by the Hayashima Igusa Product Wholesalers Association (a total of 9 stores, 18 tents planned).

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Zone

Food and beverage sales by approximately 20 businesses organized by the Tsukubo Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Hayashima History and Culture Zone

Live demonstration and hands-on experience of hand-weaving by the Hanza Hand-weaving Technique Preservation Society, and explanations of the local history and folklore museum by volunteer guides.

Scenes from participation in 2025Scenes from participation in 2025

Scenes from participation in 2025Scenes from participation in 2025

Experience and Participation Events

Visitor Gift

"Igusa Mini Mat" for the first 150 visitors each day from 1:00 PM.

Stamp Rally

Win prizes by lottery with purchases of 4,000 yen or more at the venue.

Shokichi Shunpūtei Rakugo Session

[Date & Time] Sunday, June 28, 3:00 PM onwards [Venue] Yurubi-no-Sha Grand Hall, Hayashima Town Citizen's General Hall

An introduction to "igusa," a specialty product of Hayashima Town, through laughter-filled Rakugo.

*Complimentary pair tickets for those who spend 8,000 yen or more at the venue.

Giant Maze

[Date & Time] Morning of June 27 & 28 [Venue] Hayashima Town Central Community Center, Multipurpose Classroom

A giant maze decorated with hanza.

Igusa Pillow Making Experience

[Date & Time] Morning of June 27 & 28 [Venue] Hayashima Town Central Community Center, Multipurpose Classroom [Participation Fee] 1,000 yen

Experience making your own original pillow using igusa chips.

Karuta Tsurashi-tori Competition

[Venue] Hayashima Town Central Community Center, Practice Room [Participation Fee] 100 yen

- Saturday, June 27: 9:30 AM / 11:00 AM / 1:20 PM

- Sunday, June 28: 9:30 AM / 11:00 AM

A beginner-friendly karuta competition held on a tatami-matted space.

Hanza Ping Pong Experience

[Date & Time] All day June 27 & 28 (Closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) [Venue] Hayashima Town Central Community Center, Craft Room

Workshops

[Date & Time] June 27 & 28

Igusa Coaster Making, Mini Tatami Mat Making, Competitive Karuta Demonstration

[Date & Time] Sunday, June 28, 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM [Venue] Hayashima Town Central Community Center, Multipurpose Classroom

Giant Maze (2025 event) Igusa Pillow Making Experience (2025 event)

Hanza Ping Pong Experience (2025 event) Karuta Tsurashi-tori Competition (2025 event)

Event Name 32nd Hayashima Kurashiki Hanza Festival

Date and Time Saturday, June 27, 2026: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Sunday, June 28, 2026: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

*Event will proceed rain or shine, but may be canceled in case of severe weather.

Venue Special venue west of Hayashima Town Hall and surrounding facilities

Parking - South Ground of Hayashima Town - South Parking Lot of Hayashima Town Hall - Parking Lot of Yurubi-no-Sha, Hayashima Town Citizen's General Hall

Organizer

Okayama Specialty Hanza Festival Executive Committee

Related Links

Hayashima Kurashiki Hanza Festival (Instagram)

https://www.instagram.com/hanagozaokayama/

Hayashima Town Website (Event Page)

https://www.town.hayashima.lg.jp/soshiki/machizukuri_kikaku/gyomu/event/event_joho/2142.html

This is a special two-day event where you can buy, make, play, and learn about the charm of "igusa" and "hanza," traditional industries of southern Okayama Prefecture. We invite you to come with your family and friends.

Going forward, Hagiwara Corporation will continue to provide value that enriches daily life and contribute to the local community through products that utilize Japan's traditional materials.

Hagiwara Corporation, founded in 1892, is a company based in Kurashiki, Okayama, with a proud history of 134 years. We offer a product lineup that proposes interior design for entire rooms and are a global company actively engaged in overseas transactions.

[Hagiwara Corporation Official Website]

https://e-hagihara.co.jp