May 10, 2025 | Kanda-jinja Shrine, Tokyo

On Saturday, May 10th, Shizenkan took part in the Kanda Festival, one of Tokyo’s three major festivals. Centered around Kanda Shrine, this traditional event held every other year celebrates prayers for prosperous business and family safety, with vibrant floats and processions enlivening the streets.

This year, around 60 participants joined, including current first and second-year students, alumni, and members of local communities who support Shizenkan through hometown tax donations. Although it rained in the morning, the weather miraculously cleared just as the parade began, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the festivities.

Shizenkan has been participating in the Kanda Festival since 2019, and each year students help pull the “Hanasaka Jiisan” float. Dressed by a kimono shop in Nihonbashi, students wore a variety of costumes, including Hanasaka Jiisan, Momotaro, samurai, ninja, candy sellers, and Kintaro, creating once-in-a-lifetime memories.

Shizenkan values its connection with the Nihonbashi community and will continue to deepen its engagement with the local area by actively participating in community events like this.