The Sports Festival in which diverse people participate in their own specialties.
A field day in Japan is an event where people of all ages gather to not only participate in competitions, but also to enjoy watching, eating lunch, and cheering for the athletes. The “Daichi no Undokai” invites many people from overseas to participate in this kind of Japanese field day, and we aim to make the event more diverse and varied by inviting artists, musicians, and non-professionals to showcase their specialties.
【Date & Time】September 20, 2025 (Sat) 11:00–15:00
【Venue】NUNAGAWA Campus (567 Murono, Tokamachi City, Niigata)
【Admission】Adults: 1,500 yen / Elementary & Junior high school students: 1,000 yen / Preschool children: 500 yen / Spectator-Only: Free
【Application】Required *Applications will be accepted by Peatix from August 20. *Payment can only be made in cash on the day of the event. Application Deadline: September 7 (Sun) or Registration will close once capacity is reached.
※ Admission includes: participation fee, insurance, and rice-ball lunch set.
※ Payment in cash at reception on the day.
※ Spectator-only participation is free, but does not include lunch.
※ Please help liven up the cheering and music performances! Bring handmade flags, instruments, or noise-makers (handmade or toy instruments are also welcome).
【Notes】
– In case of rain, the event will be held at Matsudai General Gymnasium. Notification will be sent to the email address provided at registration, and announced on the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale official website about one week prior.
– In case of severe weather, the event will be cancelled.
– Please note that official documentation filming of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, as well as press coverage, will take place during the event.
– Participants may be asked to refrain from photography. Please follow announcements on the day.
– Organizers are not responsible for loss or theft.
– Resale of tickets for profit is strictly prohibited.
【For Spectator-Only Participation】
– Admission is free, but reservations are required for headcount purposes. Without a reservation, entry may not be permitted.
– Spectators will be assigned designated viewing areas.
– Lunch is not provided. Please bring your own. A free space on the 1st floor of NUNAGAWA Campus will be available during lunchtime.
– Shuttle bus times differ for spectators. Please gather at Matsudai Branch Office Parking Lot, Tokamachi City Hall, between 10:20–10:40.
– Early departure is possible. A shuttle bus to Matsudai Branch Office Parking Lot will run after the morning program. Please follow announcements on the day.
【Organizers：Echigo-Tsumari Art Field Day Executive Committee】
Committee Chair: Tamesue Dai (Japanese record holder, 400m hurdles)
Advisors: Sekiguchi Yoshifumi (Chair, Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale Executive Committee / Mayor of Tokamachi City), Kuwabara Haruka (Vice Chair, Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale Executive Committee / Mayor of Tsunan Town), Kitagawa Fram (General Director, Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale)
Committee Members: Abe Toshiki (CEO, Ridilover Inc.), Kanai Maki (Refugee & Migrant Festival Executive Committee), Kurakake Junichi (Principal of Nunagawa Campus, Artist), Hara Mitsu (Secretary-General, Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Collaborative Organization)
【Artist】Kurakake Junichi, Oka Makoto, Toyofuku Ryo, Yumisashi Kanji, and others
【Program on September 20 (Sat) 】(Tentative)
【Reception Time & Place】
By car: 9:30–10:00 at Matsudai Branch Office Parking Lot, Tokamachi City Hall (3252-1 Matsudai, Tokamachi, Niigata 942-1526)
By train: 9:30–10:15 at Matsudai Station West Exit rotary (50 minutes from Echigo-Yuzawa Station via the Hokuhoku Line)
※ Shuttle buses will take participants from reception points to NUNAGAWA Campus.
※ Please note that direct access to NUNAGAWA Campus by car is not possible.
【Program】
11:00 – Entrance march, Opening ceremony, Warm-up exercises
11:30–12:20 – Competitions (ball toss, rice-ball rolling, etc.)
12:20–13:20 – Lunch break
13:20–14:30 – Competitions (relay, tug of war, etc.)
14:30–14:45 – Closing ceremony
※ Competition games are currently being planned. Please note they are subject to change.
Why Art Field Day?
“Undokai” (Sports Festival) is a unique Japanese cultural event where the entire community gathers to compete and celebrate together. Group competitions, cheering performances, music, colorful cheering flags, and a picnic-style lunch where the whole audience enjoys their bento boxes— it is a comprehensive art form that incorporates elements of physical education, music, art, and home economics.
In 2024, as an official program of the 9th Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, Echigo-Tsumari Art Field Day was held—a special Echigo-Tsumari version of this festival, with artists and professionals from various fields taking part. Nearly 500 participants from 24 countries and regions spent a joyful day together.
This year again, Echigo-Tsumari Art Field Day will take place in Echigo-Tsumari. People of diverse backgrounds—foreign residents in Japan, local communities, children, adults, seniors, people with disabilities, companies, and educational institutions—will come together to enjoy an Undokai experience that can only happen here, enhanced through art, music, sports, and food.
This year, spectator-only participation is also available (reservation required). We warmly invite you to join us.Echigo-Tsumari Art Field Day Executive Committee
◆ Join Art Field Day through Music!
The Echigo-Tsumari Kapukapu Essemble, led by jazz musician Oka Makoto, will bring lively music to the festival. Bring along instruments from home—or even handmade instruments—and play together!
If you wish to bring an instrument and join in performance, please indicate the type of instrument in the application form. Details of the performance songs will be sent later by email.
The finale song, “Panch Perm Chirichiri,” can be listened to here.
We also introduce examples of simple handmade instruments that can be created from materials at home. We look forward to your participation with original and creative instruments!
◆ Join Art Field Day through Handmade Flags!
We are inviting handmade Nobori flags to decorate the festival grounds.
Using the reference size below, create your own original flag by drawing or coloring, and bring it to the venue on the day.
To secure space and materials, we need to know the number of flags in advance. Please indicate the number in the application form.
Workshops for making Nobori flags will also be held beforehand. Schedule details will be posted soon on the Art Triennale website.
【Reference size: 180 cm (H) × 60 cm (W)】
※ Please attach rings on the top and left side for poles (to be displayed on standard Nobori flag poles)
Photos ＆ Video from last year
Photo Nakamura Osamu
Photo Nakamura Osamu
Photo Nakamura Osamu
Photo Nakamura Osamu
Photo Nakamura Osamu
Photo Nakamura Osamu
Photo Nakamura Osamu
Photo Nakamura Osamu
Photo Nakamura Osamu
Summary
| Date and time | September 20, 2025 (Sat) 11:00-15:00 |
|---|---|
| Venue |
NUNAGAWA Campus (576 Murono, Tokamachi-city, Niigata)
|
| Admission | Adults: 1,500 yen / Elementary & Junior high school students: 1,000 yen / Preschool children: 500 yen / Spectator-Only: Free |
| Note |
Application Deadline: September 7 (Sun) or Registration will close once capacity is reached. |
Related Information
Recommended Tours / Itineraries
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