The 51st YADOKARI-SAI Dorm Festival Held

The 51st YADOKARI-SAI Dorm Festival was held at the Hirasuna Residence Hall area, with a lively pre-festival event on May 30 and the main festival on June 1. This year's theme, "Restart the Festival," marked a fresh beginning and a vibrant return to tradition.

The pre-festival evening featured various performances that created a lively atmosphere. Student band circles held an outdoor concert. The University of Tsukuba's Neopolice BIGBAND performed smooth jazz, and the fire performance group Himawari impressed the audience with their dramatic flame displays. The night ended with a striking fire-letter show that drew loud applause.

The main festival was originally scheduled for May 31 but was postponed to June 1 due to poor weather. The opening ceremony began with dynamic performances by Tokimeki-Taiko-Juku and the spirited cheer team WINS. Vice President CHIBA Chikafumi, who oversees student affairs, then delivered a welcome address, followed by a speech from HAGIYA Ryosuke, a third-year student from the College of Policy and Planning Sciences and chair of the festival committee, officially launching the event.

While some evening events, such as the yukata contest and the awards ceremony, had to be canceled due to rain, the rest of the festival went ahead smoothly. From the morning, food stalls, stage performances, and the mikoshi (portable shrine) parade brought energy and excitement to the venue. These events showcased the students' creativity and enthusiasm.

This year's festival welcomed a wide range of participants, including off-campus visitors and international students. It successfully served as a space for cultural exchange and community connection.