Kokubunji Bun Bun Walk

Kokubunji, is one of the major stations on the JR Chuo Line, 20-30 mins away from Tokyo's hub Shinjuku Sta. 

As it's been home to some art schools & colleges, the town has been recognized as an artist-friendly and -oriented.

Annual art event, Kokubunji Bun Bun Walk Festival is a great example of what kind of identity the area has.

Festival's Vibe 

From my perspective, a good part of this festival is not being well structured like typical newly born events pursuing profits. It seems more community driven, showing diverse forms of art.

As its name suggests, you have no choice but to walk for fully enjoying the event because of scattered venues & activities across the area.

The first mission you've got to clear is to get a map overviewing & summarizing what is happening at every venue.

Make Kids Smile!

At the first venue I dropped by, a guy was doing one man jukebox in a man size tall box! 

& around him, the group of entertainers were instructing kids how to do dish spinning.

Smile & laughter of kids are indispensable for a local festival like this.

Hand Craft Collection 

At Shinfukuji Park, located in the middle of a typical residential district, dozens of artists were selling their works respectively under the tents.

Tamami Yoshino, the female ceramic artist I talked to, had brought in these beautiful one-off works from Hachioji, Tokyo. 

These petit glass works are all produced by Masako Yonezawa, who still has a 2-year career being based in Saitama Pref. Well-produced, aren't they?

During my walk along the narrow local path named "Otaka No Michi", I found this local farmer selling fresh veggies.

This is another side of Tokyo most foreigners don't expect to see in this high-tech city.

If you're planning to visit or come back to Tokyo in the next autumn, keep in mind that very much community driven cultural event is to be held in Kokubunji area!

Thanks for reading.

Kokubunji 

JR Chuo Line 

Kokubunji Sta.

Posted & Produced by

3e-Tokyo Project