Fukushima, Osaka Mall Festival.

Hi,  this is Mark and I teach English at Smith’s School of English Fukushima (Osaka).

As I was coming to work last night I noticed that there were more lights than usual in the Fukushima mall. I wondered what was happening and so decided to take a walk along the mall.  Upon entering the mall the normal feeling of people enjoying quiet shopping within the arcade could not be found. The mall had suddenly changed into an exciting festival area and there were many people walking around and just having fun. I could find food stalls and games to play. I could see many children together with their parents enjoying the activities provided. Truly a wonderful family night.

I wondered what this festival was and very luckily to meet one of our English Language students from the Fukushima school. He explained to me that this was an event held every year. It is organized by the mall and  local community.  Being a person who is often involved in organizing events I could easily see how much work had been put into preparing the mall for this exciting family night of fun. I am always impressed by the way the Japanese really do pull together as a community to make things happen. In this case the Osaka, Fukushima community really did make it happen and everybody had a great time.

Of course I bought several delicious snacks which I shared with my students at Fukushima school. Thank you Fukushima Arcade. I had a great time and our students enjoyed your food. See you next year!