Hachioji City is gearing up for an exciting lineup of events aimed at fostering community engagement and celebrating local culture. Among them, the Tokyo Hachioji B-Trains basketball team is not only hitting the courts but also launching initiatives to connect with their supporters.
The B-Trains will host several home games at the Esforta Arena Hachioji, with the highlight being the "39000 Project," which invites the first 1,000 fans for free to each game. To join the fun, fans need to apply for tickets through their smartphones before the event. Notably, these games are part of marking the team's 10th anniversary of participation in the professional league. "The B-Trains upcoming season marks 10 years of participation, and we are excited to engage the community through the 39000 Project," said officials from the Tokyo Hachioji B-Trains.
Fans can look forward to games on January 18 and 19 against the Yamaguchi Pax Fives, followed by another match against the Kanazawa Samurai on January 24 and 25. For families, there will be entertainment during halftime, including performances from cheerleading team Raily’s, adding to the lively atmosphere within the arena.
Simultaneously, Hachioji will host the Japanese Heritage event, "Kuwato Festival 2025," on January 12-13 at the Tokyo Tama Future Messe. The festival, hosted by the Kuwato Monogatari Promotion Council, will spotlight the region's textile heritage, recognized as part of Japan’s cultural assets. Mayor Kazuhiro Hoshuku emphasized the significance of this event, stating, "Hachioji's cultural heritage is one of its treasures; we hope to use it to invigorate the whole city." This two-day festival will feature hands-on workshops with local textile craftsmen and the launch of Hachioji's unique brand, "ottary."
Local students from Tama Art University have collaborated deeply with craftspeople to bring their own artistic expressions to the festival, showcasing the fusion of traditional and contemporary art forms. Activities will also include food stalls featuring local favorites made from mulberry leaves, especially appealing to those celebrating the upcoming 'Seijin no Hi'(Coming of Age Day) on January 13, where attendees who are turning 20 will receive commemorative gifts.
On January 26, Hachioji will host the "World Friendship Time" event, where local residents can engage with international speakers like Chittavone Fonsawaan from Laos, who will discuss Lao culture and perform traditional dances. This initiative aims to connect the local and international communities, with tickets priced at just 500 yen, and free entry for members. "On January 26, we will celebrate Lao culture with traditional dances," Fonsawaan shared, inviting everyone to be part of the cultural exchange.
Further enriching the community ties, two international students from Malaysia and Jordan volunteered at local elementary schools, bringing their cultures to life through interactive sessions with students. The initiative facilitated exchanges where children learned about foreign cultures, and students from abroad enjoyed traditional Japanese crafts and customs. One of the participating international students remarked, "I was so happy to see the students' enthusiasm for learning about my culture," reflecting the mutual appreciation shared during the event.
To round out Hachioji’s events, on the same day as the World Friendship Time, the city will also offer workshops for single-parent families focusing on personal development. Dubbed "Experience Personal Color with Your Child!", the seminar aims to educate participants on colors suitable for their personal styles. Providing both fun and learning, it reflects Hachioji’s commitment to inclusivity and community well-being.
The diverse set of events planned for Hachioji City ensures there’s something for everyone, from sports fans to culture enthusiasts, and aims to weave stronger community fabrics by celebrating its rich heritage and fostering international friendships. Everyone is encouraged to participate, deepen their connections with their neighbors, and celebrate what makes Hachioji unique.
