Student-Created Excitement: One of Kyoto’s Largest Festivals
Student-Created Excitement: One of Kyoto’s Largest Festivals
In Kyoto, known as the “city of students,” the Kyoto Student Festival attracts some over 100,000 visitors every October.
At the heart of the festival’s operation—and deeply committed to promoting the original creative dance “Kyoen Sodefure!”—is Ms. Mineta, who is now in her fourth year as a member of the executive committee. Through an interview with her, we explore the festival’s profound appeal and the unique charm of “Sodefure.”
The Kyoto Student Festival is a “student-produced” event made possible by the special character of Kyoto, where students account for approximately one-tenth of the city’s population. Students take full responsibility for bringing energy and excitement to iconic Kyoto locations such as the area in front of Heian Shrine and the Okazaki Promenade.
Mineta first became involved after receiving a flyer during her first year at university. What began as an opportunity to pursue her interest in event management—an interest cultivated through student council activities in high school—eventually became the central focus of her university life. While many executive committee members retire after their third year, Mineta decided to continue into her fourth year because she strongly felt that “there is still more I can do.”
Building Connections Across Borders
One of the festival’s greatest attractions is the opportunity to connect deeply with international students, transcending the boundaries of local communities and individual universities.
To give international students an opportunity to experience Japanese traditional culture firsthand, the festival recruits them to carry the “Kyoen Mikoshi” during the main event. It also holds several international student exchange gatherings each year, creating many opportunities for intercultural exchange.
The enthusiasm has now spread beyond Japan as well. In the past, members of the festival visited Hue City in Vietnam and performed “Sodefure,” demonstrating how the spirit of the festival continues to reach audiences around the world.
Diverse Opportunities to Shine—even if You Are Not a Dancer
There is no need to hesitate by saying, “I’m not good at dancing.” In fact, Mineta herself once thought, “I absolutely do not want to dance.”
However, the festival offers many important roles behind the scenes, including supporting dancers as a manager, planning stage programs, and handling public relations. For those who would like to try dancing, there are “traveling dance classes” and practice sessions where participants receive careful instruction from the basics. This creates a welcoming environment in which even beginners can participate with confidence.
The festival also features the “National Dance Contest,” an open-genre competition in which anyone can perform. The wonderful thing about this festival is that people with a wide range of personalities and talents can take center stage.
Sharing the Moment of Becoming “More in Love with Kyoto Than Ever”
This year’s theme, “Today, I Love Kyoto More Than Ever,” expresses a wish to rediscover Kyoto’s many facets—including its history, culture, and the energy of its students—and pass them on to the future.
At the finale of the main festival, which was held in its full form for the first time in five years, performers, spectators, and executive committee members came together as one while silver streamers filled the air. For Mineta, that unforgettable scene has become a treasure she will cherish for the rest of her life.
“Everything you gain from taking action—the joy, the frustration, and even the setbacks—becomes nourishment for your future,” she says.
Whether you are a university student in Kyoto, an international student from somewhere around the world, someone who loves dancing, or someone who is preparing to take on a new challenge, come and join us in this place where you can discover a new side of yourself. Let’s enjoy it together!