The Power of Fukae

This project is organized by the Fukae Community Development Council, which consists of 44 various organizations in the Fukae area of Higashinari Ward, Osaka City. Its purpose is to revitalize the town and connect local residents, working under the theme “The Power of Fukae” to restore “connections with neighbors.” On November 3, 2024, the 4th Fukae Festival will be held, linking four locations in the community—including a registered tangible cultural property normally closed to the public—where each organization will host its own events. The festival will feature attractions such as a haunted house, a rakugo performance, koto and gagaku music, food and drink from kitchen cars, and more, offering something enjoyable for everyone from children to the elderly.

Project Inauguration

Although all activities were suspended due to the Corona disaster, some residents were eagerly awaiting the return of the “Fukae History and Culture Festival,” which had been held once a year until three years ago. The Executive Committee has been formed to continue holding the “4th Fukae Festival” in 2024. They look forward to welcoming participants from other areas.

Project Activities

Fukae was under the direct control of the shogunate and is connected to the imperial family and the Ise Shrine through Suga-zaiku. Fukae is also famous for Mr. Kakutani Ikkei, who was selected as a living national treasure for his production of tea ceremony pots (Ashiya-gama), and the maze of narrow streets is filled with tradition and culture. The “History and Culture Festival” was started to let people know about such a land and its rich humanity, and has continued for 15 times. Although the scale of the festival has been reduced due to the Corona disaster, the more the various groups have responded, the more the number of participants has increased each time, and we look forward to seeing the festival grow with each event.

Future Prospects for the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

They are working hard to prepare the Fukae Local History Museum, where Fukae’s traditional crafts and tea kettles are on display, and the Museum Annex (former Koda Family), which is registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property, so that people not only from Japan but also from overseas can enjoy these historical cultural assets in Fukae town.