Good afternoon from the Itoigawa Geopark!
We have a chilly, but sunny day today in the Itoigawa Geopark. The typhoon which caused so much damage in other parts of the country has passed us. Our thoughts go out to those in affected areas.
Last weekend, the Itoigawa Coast Geosite hosted a Railroad Festival in front of Itoigawa Station. The weather was absolutely perfect and the turnout was fantastic.
A variety of events were planned for the festival, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Hokuriku Main Line which services Itoigawa. A relay event was held from Omi Station to Itoigawa Station, to commemorate the laying of the last section of track which completed the Hokuriku Line, film and television star (and Itoigawa native!) Masaru Nagai participated in the relay and gave autographs.
The local Geo☆Girls idol group gave a variety of performances, along with Hisui Taiko, one of Itoigawa’s local taiko drum groups.
And a miniature steam train offered rides for children.
Itoigawa’s gourmet delight, Black Yakisoba, was so popular at the event that the stand completely sold out. With such an excellent turnout, we are even more excited for the upcoming opening of the Hokuriku Bullet Line.
–Ishikoro