Our Projects
Ishinomaki Kawabiraki Festival 2025
Every summer, Ishinomaki bursts into life with the Kawabiraki Festival — a joyful celebration that brings together parades, music, food stalls, and the powerful Tairyo Odori dance. The streets are alive with the beat of taiko drums, colorful decorations, and the laughter of families walking together.
In 2025, the city once again filled with vibrant energy. Locals and visitors gathered to honor Ishinomaki’s history as a fishing town, while also celebrating its resilience after the 2011 tsunami. The festival is more than just an event — it’s a living memory, carrying stories of hope, strength, and community pride.
Walking through the festival, I captured the smiles of children in yukata, the glow of lanterns lighting the night, and the aroma of sizzling yakisoba rising from food stalls. Each photo reflects the spirit of togetherness that defines this annual tradition.
This project is part of my Japan Moments | Stories & Journey page, where I share festivals and everyday scenes that make Japan unforgettable. Through my lens, I aim to preserve not only the sights but also the emotions behind every story.
For visitors who want to experience this festival in person, Ishinomaki is located in Miyagi Prefecture, accessible by train from Sendai. You can learn more about the city and its events through the official Miyagi tourism site.
The Kawabiraki Festival remains one of Ishinomaki’s most cherished traditions — a blend of culture, history, and modern joy that connects generations. Each step in the parade, each beat of the drum, reminds us that festivals are not only about celebration but also about remembering, healing, and moving forward together.
Tsurishi Shrine Miyagi – The Hanging Rock That Never Falls
Nestled in Miyagi’s quiet forests, Tsurishi Shrine is home to mystical legends. The sacred boulder, said to hang as if suspended in the air, has survived powerful earthquakes, becoming a symbol of strength and resilience.
For generations, it has drawn students, travelers, and dreamers who come to pray for steady success. Tsurishi Shrine’s story lives on as one of Miyagi’s hidden cultural treasures.
Learn more about the area on the Visit Miyagi – Official Travel Guide.
Ōkawa Tsunami Memorial Project – Ishinomaki
A solemn memorial site preserving the ruins of Okawa Elementary School, where many lives were lost in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Today, it stands as a place of remembrance, resilience, and learning — reminding us of the importance of disaster awareness and the enduring strength of Ishinomaki.
Learn more at the Miyagi Prefecture Official Website or through the 3.11 Memorial Network.
