Hiroshima Prefecture is known for being the largest manufacturer of “Geta,” a traditional Japanese sandal. The Getalympics is a sporting festival that takes place in Matsunaga that celebrates the local culture. There are various activities to choose from. Enjoy a fun day at the festival, a twist of Japanese traditional culture, and local modern spirit.
What is the Getalymic?
“Getalympic” is a mixture of the word “Geta,” meaning a traditional Japanese sandal, and “Olympics.” This event takes place on September 16 from 10:00 to 18:00 in Matsunaga, Hiroshima Prefecture. The regional shopping arcade started the Getalympics to attract more people.
The slogan of this festival is “Koremademo Korekaramo kokonikoi” which can be translated to: love here, now and forever. “Koi” means love, yet this slogan has a double meaning since “koi” written in simple characters mean “come here.” Make sure to come to this festival to enjoy the local culture and energy.
The concept of the Getalympics is “a town that is built upon the strengths of academic research and culture.” The city of Matsunaga is known for its cultural heritage such as the ”Matsunaga Hakimono Shiryoukan,” a footwear museum, and “Fukuyama Daigaku,” also known as Fukuyama University. Also, Fukuyama’s local specialty souvenir is “Shio,” or salt, “Geta”, and “Igusa,” or soft rush.
Since Hiroshima Prefecture is known as the number one producers of Geta in Japan, the regional community wanted to create a festival that utilized its cultural goods.
The slogan of this festival is “Koremademo Korekaramo kokonikoi” which can be translated to: love here, now and forever. “Koi” means love, yet this slogan has a double meaning since “koi” written in simple characters mean “come here.” Make sure to come to this festival to enjoy the local culture and energy.
The concept of the Getalympics is “a town that is built upon the strengths of academic research and culture.” The city of Matsunaga is known for its cultural heritage such as the ”Matsunaga Hakimono Shiryoukan,” a footwear museum, and “Fukuyama Daigaku,” also known as Fukuyama University. Also, Fukuyama’s local specialty souvenir is “Shio,” or salt, “Geta”, and “Igusa,” or soft rush.
Since Hiroshima Prefecture is known as the number one producers of Geta in Japan, the regional community wanted to create a festival that utilized its cultural goods.
The main events of the day
Four main sporting events take place throughout the day. At the south exit of the station, the ”Geta de gozaru” takes place. It is a sporting event in which five people compete in various activities that take place from 10:30 to 12:30. Using the “Geta,” as well as other local products such as salt and soft rush, the team competes in various challenging tasks.
“Geta Tower” is an activity where five people compete to make the highest tower using “Geta” in 150 seconds. It takes place from13:00 to 14:30.
In the sporting event “Kyodai Geta Sabari,” a 1.3 tons giant “Geta” will be pulled, and the distance traveled will be measured. It is the final event of the day and takes place from 15:15 to 17:30.
At the civic center parking lot, “Getatobashi,” an activity where the contestant competes to kick the “Geta” as far they can, takes place. It continues for the whole day from 10:30 to 16:00. For each competition, there is a special prize.
Music, dancing, and speaking events will take place during the day and food will be sold along the streets as well.
“Geta Tower” is an activity where five people compete to make the highest tower using “Geta” in 150 seconds. It takes place from13:00 to 14:30.
In the sporting event “Kyodai Geta Sabari,” a 1.3 tons giant “Geta” will be pulled, and the distance traveled will be measured. It is the final event of the day and takes place from 15:15 to 17:30.
At the civic center parking lot, “Getatobashi,” an activity where the contestant competes to kick the “Geta” as far they can, takes place. It continues for the whole day from 10:30 to 16:00. For each competition, there is a special prize.
Music, dancing, and speaking events will take place during the day and food will be sold along the streets as well.
A brief history of the Getalympic
The 2018 Getalympic festival will take place on September 16th and will mark the 25th anniversary of the festival.
In 1993, 20 students of Fukuyama University and the local youth volunteering organization wanted to increase communication between individuals. They held an obstacle race on the main street.
The next year in 1994, with the cooperation from the “Geta” factory,” they held the 1st Getalympics. This festival has increased the spirit of the locals and has contributed to the development of the community. Today, over 500 volunteers and 700 companies contribute to this festival.
In 1993, 20 students of Fukuyama University and the local youth volunteering organization wanted to increase communication between individuals. They held an obstacle race on the main street.
The next year in 1994, with the cooperation from the “Geta” factory,” they held the 1st Getalympics. This festival has increased the spirit of the locals and has contributed to the development of the community. Today, over 500 volunteers and 700 companies contribute to this festival.
How to visit?
Address
Matsunaga Station, Matsunaga City, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, 729-0104
Matsunaga Station, Matsunaga City, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, 729-0104
Get to the JR Matsunaga Station by train and the festival will be held in walking distance of the area. There is shuttle bus access throughout the day.
Address:
3-1-20 Matsunaga-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima 7290104
Getalympic executive committee
Tel：+81 (0) 84-933-2151
13-9 3-chome, Matsunaga-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima
Fukuyama Chamber of Commerce and Industry
3-1-20 Matsunaga-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima 7290104
Getalympic executive committee
Tel：+81 (0) 84-933-2151
13-9 3-chome, Matsunaga-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima
Fukuyama Chamber of Commerce and Industry
