Renowned for its cherry blossoms by the Sumida River, Sumida Park has always attracted locals and tourists alike, especially during the spring. But beyond its scenic beauty, the park has a poignant history, with the land it occupies having undergone significant redevelopment following the devastating Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. This disaster claimed the lives of approximately 105,000 individuals, with 48,000 of those tragedies occurring in the Honjo district of Sumida ward alone.
As we mark the earthquake's 100th anniversary, Sumida's community is gearing up to pay homage to this history. Through the Sumida River Momotose-no-se festival, the community will present parades, dances, and heartfelt performances. These acts will not only honour those who were lost but also highlight the resilience and unity of Sumida, celebrating the progress made since those challenging times.
Among the highlights are the Sumiyume Dance Parade on October 28, taking place at Sumida Plaza Park from 2pm-8pm. Additionally, artist Chiharu Mizukawa will showcase her unique aburidashi paintings at Ushijima Shrine from 9.30am to 4.30pm between October 22 and October 28. Originally a ninja technique for sending secret messages with invisible ink, Mizukawa uses aburidashi to depict trees, mountains, and cityscapes. For a detailed schedule and more, visit the official website.