Play. Interact. Experience. SATOYAMA & SATOUMI Autumn Camp in Odawara

■ Play. Interact. Experience. SATOYAMA & SATOUMI Autumn Camp in Odawara

Located in the western part of Kanagawa Prefecture, Odawara City has a population of approximately 194,000 and an area of approximately 114 km2. It is the fourth largest city in the prefecture after Yokohama, Sagamihara, and Kawasaki, and approximately 40% of the city area is covered by forests. The Sakagawa River flows north and south through the center of the city, forming the Ashigara Plain, with the southwestern part being a forested area that connects to the Hakone outer rim, the eastern part being a hilly area known as the Soga Hills, and the southern part facing Sagami Bay.
Odawara has a warm climate throughout the year and is a thriving agricultural producer of plums and mandarin oranges. The city widely promotes its plains, forests, rivers, and sea as regional assets both within and outside the city, with the aim of not only preserving the natural environment but also increasing the number of visitors. The city is also a demonstration area for the Ministry of the Environment's "Forests, Villages, Rivers, and Sea Project Model Initiative."

Many attendees were visiting Odawara for the first time at this event, and Yajima Maimi, who served as MC at the opening ceremony, said, "I've been here several times during this location shoot and I really feel that Odawara is a great place. I hope that not only people from outside the city, but also people of my generation living locally will be able to rediscover the charm of Odawara."
Mayor Kenichi Kato also commented, "I would be happy if this event would help many people learn about the resources and environmental benefits that Odawara cherishes, and make them want to live here."

On stage, the appeal of a job that preserves wood culture and artisanal skills was introduced through the eyes of young people working to make use of Odawara's forests. Footage of people who have actually moved to Odawara for a short time was also shown, and they shared their experiences.
There was also a performance by the local baton team "Cherries" and a special live show by idols affiliated with the company, which thrilled the audience.

The venue featured exhibits, sales, and food and drink booths from over 50 local groups, as well as a wooden jungle gym and log-cutting workshops, allowing many children to get acquainted with Odawara's trees.

Additionally, as the seventh installment of the SATOYAMA & SATOUMI movement's regular collaborative curry, "Japanese-style Odawara Kamaboko Curry" was also on sale, using Odawara kamaboko fish cakes. Between performances, the entertainers visited each booth to hand out products to purchasers and participated in workshops, allowing them to interact directly with visitors.

The city is nice, but the countryside is nice too. Odawara, located just 30 minutes from Shinagawa by bullet train, is a perfect place for such a feeling. It is also surrounded by abundant nature, and agriculture and fishing are thriving. Many stores are conscious of local production and consumption, and it seems that the number of people who want to move from the city center, attracted by the rich food and peaceful lifestyle, is gradually increasing.

On the day of the event, we asked Suzuki Airi, Makoto, Yamaki Risa (Country Girls), and Suberi Mercury (Hello Plan) about their impressions of Odawara.

Airi Suzuki

I remember going to Hakone often on family trips when I was little. I loved stopping by a mandarin orange juice shop in Odawara on the way. I have the impression that Odawara is a warm place with many kind people. Today, I had some natural yeast bread that was on sale at an event and it was delicious. I'd like to discover more delicious things and great places in Odawara and enjoy it.

Makoto

The first thing I noticed when I came to Odawara was the vast sky! There are few tall buildings, so you can see the sky and the air is fresh. Odawara is flat and has a warm climate, and it's only about an hour's bus ride from Tokyo. There are many good things about it, and it seems like a good place to live for the elderly and those who want to spend their time peacefully, so I recommend it. However, I prefer more rugged areas where you can feel the threat of strong winds and other violent natural forces. There are also forests, and I hope that Odawara's lumber industry will become more active.

Risa Yamaki (Country Girls)

I've been to Hakone on my own before, but this was my first time in Odawara, where I stayed for three days and two nights for this shoot. Odawara is really full of charm and it was fun. I love frogs, and Odawara has a lot of nature, so I think it's great that frogs can coexist with the area. Odawara is easy to access, not too urban, and not too rural, so it's a great place.

Suberi Mercury (Hello Project)

For me, originally from Minamiashigara City, Odawara has been a city since I was a child. I used to look forward to going to Odawara for dental treatment, eating steak, and taking the Daiyuzan line home. It is no exaggeration to say that all my memories from my childhood to teenage years are in Odawara. When I occasionally go to Hyakudanzaka near Odawara High School, it still brings back memories of my youth. Odawara has a lot of events, so I feel like it's a place where fun-loving people gather.

Many visitors may have become interested in Odawara through this event, which delved deeply into the various charms of Odawara. Why not visit Odawara, a city with a laid-back atmosphere, once again?

The next "SATOYAMA & SATOUMI movement" is scheduled to be held on Saturday, March 31st and Sunday, April 1st, 2018 at Pacifico Yokohama in Kanagawa.