An opportunity to re-recognize the wonders of the region's nature and climate. "The 43rd National Urban Greening Fair in Kyoto Tamba: Almost 100 Days Before Event" Held

A talk show featuring Mr. Tatsunori Murasame (left), familiar from NHK's "Shumi no Engei" (Hobbies of Gardening), and Mr. Nobuo Shirasuna (right), Professor Emeritus at Kobe International University.

The Executive Committee for the 43rd National Urban Greening Fair in Kyoto Tamba (Chairman: Takafumi Katsuragawa, Mayor of Kameoka City) held the "The 43rd National Urban Greening Fair in Kyoto Tamba: Almost 100 Days Before Event" on June 6, 2026 (Sat) at the Nantan City International Exchange Hall.

This event was held with the aim of fostering momentum towards the "43rd National Urban Greening Fair in Kyoto Tamba ~Kyoto Tamba Green Village Festival~" (hereinafter referred to as the "Fair"), Japan's largest flower and green festival, which will be held from September 18 this year.

Approximately 250 participants attended this event, themed "Proposing a Rich Lifestyle." The event was greatly enlivened by stage programs featuring local groups and a talk show with Mr. Tatsunori Murasame, a navigator on NHK's "Shumi no Engei," and Mr. Nobuo Shirasuna. It was a day where participants re-recognized the value of Kyoto Tamba's nature and climate, and were filled with anticipation for the Fair's opening, which is just 100 days away.

This release introduces the details of the event.

Diverse Stage Programs

◆ A powerful performance of Japanese drums celebrating the 25th anniversary of the local circle's formation.

The opening was marked by a Japanese drum performance by the Sonobe Daini Elementary School PTA Japanese Drum Circle, Oyama Daiko. As the circle, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, delivered a powerful and synchronized performance that resonated throughout the venue, the participants erupted in thunderous applause, marking an energetic start to the event.

A powerful performance by the Sonobe Daini Elementary School PTA Japanese Drum Circle, Oyama Daiko.

◆ A message to the environment woven through song and sign language.

Following the opening remarks by Chairman Takafumi Katsuragawa (Mayor of Kameoka City), a music live performance was held by GoMi Hiroe, a local star based in Nantan City, and Kaji Rainbow, a sign language performance artist. They performed GoMi's debut song, "Don't Throw It Away ~I Want to See a Beautiful Town~," which promotes environmental beautification activities, with a free-spirited singing voice and heartfelt sign language performance.

GoMi, who strongly wishes for the town and nature to remain beautiful, delivered a message against littering through her song. She introduced the reasons for starting her environmental beautification activities and her efforts so far through a lighthearted talk interspersed with humor. She smiled as she shared her joy in receiving feedback from live audiences, such as "I used to litter, but now I carry a portable ashtray." The participants were captivated by GoMi's humorous talk and singing, and it was impressive to see them deeply internalizing the environmental conservation message embedded in the song.

Finally, together with Kaji Rainbow again, they performed "Music Box," written and composed by Hajime Mizoshita. "Humans can change at any age by seeing, thinking, and judging for themselves. They can grow through realization," GoMi said, introducing a line from the lyrics, and emphasized her commitment to continuing to do what she can and disseminate information.

GoMi Hiroe (left) on stage in an outfit reused from fan donations. Performance by GoMi Hiroe (left) and Kaji Rainbow (right).

◆ Three mayors discuss the Fair's development status and highlights.

In the subsequent "Fair PR" segment, three mayors – Mayor Yoshitaka Nishimura of Nantan City, Mayor Genichi Hatanaka of Kyotamba Town, and Mayor Takafumi Katsuragawa of Kameoka City – took the stage in a relay format. Using a projector, they presented the development status, future initiatives, and highlights of the five main venues for the greening fair.

Mayor Yoshitaka Nishimura of Nantan City

Mayor Genichi Hatanaka of Kyotamba Town Mayor Takafumi Katsuragawa of Kameoka City

◆ Mr. Tatsunori Murasame x Mr. Nobuo Shirasuna discuss the charm of Kyoto Tamba and a special talk.

The highlight of the event was a special talk show featuring gardener and actor Mr. Tatsunori Murasame, a navigator on NHK's "Shumi no Engei," and Mr. Nobuo Shirasuna, Professor Emeritus at Kobe International University.

Mr. Tatsunori Murasame (left) and Mr. Nobuo Shirasuna (right).

The two, who have co-starred before and have visited Kyoto Tamba, engaged in a frank discussion incorporating their experiences in garden design. The venue was filled with a relaxed atmosphere and laughter throughout.

Mr. Murasame, who became interested in Japanese culture through its history, passionately spoke about the apprenticeship system for gardeners and the beauty of expression in garden design. He discussed the "unique and unparalleled culture and unique evolution of Japan" that he perceives from an international perspective, and the dissemination of its charm.

Sharing a common perspective on garden design, Mr. Shirasuna and Mr. Murasame introduced the differences in how nature is incorporated into gardens in Japan and Europe. Mr. Shirasuna quoted the phrase "follow the stone's plea" from "Sakuteiki" (Treatise on Gardening) as a characteristic of Japanese gardens. He stated that in contrast to the magnificent and geometric gardens of Europe, Japanese gardens are not about dominating nature, but about "creating without creating" by following the will of the plants or the stones, a statement to which Mr. Murasame strongly agreed.

As a reference for garden design, the two visited Kotaki Falls (Kyotamba Town) on their way to the event venue today. Previously, they visited Kayabuki no Sato (Nantan City) on a program they co-starred in and reflected on the farmhouses' gardens.

"The farmers' gardens are planted with plants that have been passed down for generations, not ones that are bought. The farmers also give and receive these plants, rather than buying them. We were shown a 'rural flower landscape' where such plants are scattered throughout the village. This time, I am in charge of the Kyoto Kameoka Hozugawa Park for the 43rd National Urban Greening Fair. Learning from the wisdom of the farmers at that time, I thought I would try to create a landscape that is in harmony with nature," said Mr. Shirasuna, expressing his aspirations.

When Mr. Shirasuna posed the question, "Perhaps there can be an environmentally friendly way of gardening in the future that doesn't involve spending money or effort, but is natural and nature-oriented?" Mr. Murasame also addressed the participants, saying, "If you approach it with ease and enjoyment, it can be sustainable."

When asked about his impression of Kyoto Tamba, Mr. Murasame praised its charm, saying, "It resembles the place where I originally lived and trained. When I think about what the original landscape of the Japanese heart might be, I sometimes think it's here. The mountain ranges, with their pastoral scenery, are rich in nature and beautiful. It's a truly calming landscape."

Mr. Shirasuna stated, "Tatsunori and I were just talking about how we feel very relaxed and calm when we come to Kyoto Tamba. We want to preserve this scenery forever. While economic activities tend to be prioritized, I think it's important to pause and consider whether this area should really be developed. When re-examining the region where we live, it's important to think about what is truly important."

He continued, "Do the local people consider this place beautiful? Because you are accustomed to it, you might feel it's just mountains and rivers, but Mr. Murasame, with his global perspective, finds the climate and scenery of Kyoto Tamba beautiful and calming. I believe this feeling is not unique to him but is universal. In the future, many overseas visitors will come. Instead of creating something new to welcome them, I think it's crucial to maintain and enhance the beauty of this natural landscape and climate, as they are our treasure," he appealed, and the participants nodded in agreement, taking his words to heart.

Finally, Mr. Shirasuna stated powerfully, "The significance of the Greening Fair is not just to hold various events, but to re-discover the wonders of the region. Kameoka City, Nantan City, and Kyotamba Town are coming together to promote this charm to the world. It's not about creating something new, but about recognizing that the climate, nature, history, and life itself here possess wonderful value, a realization I felt today talking with Mr. Murasame." Mr. Murasame responded, "My fatigue disappeared after coming to Kyoto Tamba. I definitely want people from overseas to see it."

◆ Concurrent Projects on the Day of the Event

On the day of the event, visitors had the opportunity to experience the VR of the "Sonobe Castle Ruins," Japan's last castle, and view exhibits from the All Japan Aihyo Association, providing a chance to engage with local culture.

An exhibit of works from the All Japan Aihyo Association. Information on VR experience of the "Sonobe Castle Ruins," Japan's last castle.

Future Plans and Related Information

The Executive Committee for the 43rd National Urban Greening Fair in Kyoto Tamba held two pre-events in May. Both events featured workshops and markets using Kyoto Tamba's resources and ingredients, conveying the charm of Kyoto Tamba through hands-on experiences.

The Fair, to be held from September 18, will also convey the unique charm of Kyoto Tamba to visitors through attractive venues and programs.

Overview of "Kyoto Tamba Green Village Festival"

Name: 43rd National Urban Greening Fair in Kyoto Tamba

Short Name: Kyoto Tamba Green Village Festival

Theme: "Kyoto Tamba" Shining with Food, Agriculture, Environment, and Art

Period: September 18, 2026 (Fri) - November 8, 2026 (Sun)

Venue: Kyoto Tamba (Kameoka City, Nantan City, Kyotamba Town)

The "Kyoto Tamba Green Village Festival" will be held centered around the following five venues:

Kyoto Kameoka Hozugawa Park

Kameoka Sports Park

Sonobe Park

Wachi Sanyaso Forest

Kyoto Prefectural Tamba Nature Park

Key Visual for the 43rd National Urban Greening Fair in Kyoto Tamba

[Website for this matter]

https://kyototamba-fair.jp/

[Contact Information]

Secretariat of the Executive Committee for the 43rd National Urban Greening Fair in Kyoto Tamba (Within the National Urban Greening Fair Promotion Division, Kameoka City Hall) Contact: Shimoda TEL: 0771-21-8301 Email: [email protected]