Do you know about "Hakubutsu Festival!", or "HakuFes" for short?

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Saturday, July 22, 2023

"Hakubutsu Festival!", or "HakuFes" for short, is held at the Science Museum near Takebashi Station. This year (2023), it is on Saturday, July 22, and Sunday, July 23.

"HakuFes" is an event involving various phenomena that you might find in a museum. It is so wide-ranging that every time I go, I find myself laughing and saying, "Even things like this!". Starting with the
insects I love so much, there are mammals (rodents like wolves, squirrels, and dormice are popular), birds, reptiles, amphibians, and marine life like fish. From plants—I also see fungi like mushrooms and moss—to microorganisms. Astronomy-related, medicine-related, and archaeology-related items like castles, ancient burial mounds, and ruins. Minerals and geology, chemistry, physics. Each booth features sales of
creative goods and books and booklets, as well as displays of real specimens and research presentations. The variety of goods is also abundant, including stuffed animals, leather crafts, clothing, paper products like stationery sets and cards, ceramics like mugs and small plates, glass crafts, woodwork, resin clay, and more. From decorative objects to practical items for daily use, and clothing and accessories you can wear, there is a wide selection to choose from. With the keywords "learning

", "experiencing", and "purchasing", not only individuals but also organizations like universities and museums, and companies like publishers, exhibit here. The number of booths exhibiting across nine floors is over 380 for this ninth event!

For the past few years, "HakuFes" has been my summer treat. So that I can enjoy it to the fullest,
Mu-kun (my husband) takes annual leave to accompany Noko (my daughter, 4th grade). As soon as we enter, I part ways with Noko and Mu-kun, saying "See you later!", and I am released into the venue. I push my way into the crowd, eyes darting left and right with excitement, and forge ahead into the depths of the vast venue. It seems Noko carefully looks at each booth one by one. It must be hard to accompany someone like me who walks around, but it must also be hard to match the slow pace of someone like Noko. The adults at the booths are kind and explain things carefully even to children, I'm told. Noko receives business cards, flyers, free handouts, and bonus goods, so her bag keeps getting heavier even though she isn't buying anything.

Prices vary, and since these are not mass-produced items, they are generally on the higher side, but they start from a few hundred yen. High-end items can cost tens of thousands of yen. I am mainly drawn to insects—especially
the moths I love—and I find myself staring intently when I see them. Some of the artists at the booths also sell their work online, but when I eavesdrop, I hear that they find the packing and shipping process troublesome, or they aren't good at making many of the same thing, so they mainly sell at events like this. The place is overflowing with items you don't see in city shops, and it's thrilling.

Even though I don't usually wear accessories, I can't help but want them when I come here.
My eyes are drawn to an Adanson's house jumper spider choker, and my heart wavers at a luna moth caterpillar brooch. When I hear that a leather pitcher plant, a carnivorous plant, is perfect for holding lip balm or a ballpoint pen, I think, "Oh, how lovely!" and instinctively want to hang it around my neck.
The 3D insect specimens with their cool poses cost a small fortune, but I am enchanted by their lifelike forms and vivid colors. I already have a few at home, but this time there is a rare yellow hawkmoth.
Oh, what should I do?
There are also many highly specialized books and booklets. I pick up a sample and flip through the pages. Wow, I want to read this. It makes my heart race.

From time to time, I send a LINE message to Mu-kun to let him know my current location.
Mu-kun sends back information like, "There was this kind of thing at booth number so-and-so on this floor." Since he knows my tastes, I panic and rush back, thinking, "I didn't see that!"
When I reach the back floor, I head back toward the entrance floor like a salmon swimming upstream. I feel relieved if that item at that booth is still there, or regretful if it has disappeared.
Three and a half hours spent here.
My feet are starting to hurt, as expected. I've gotten what I wanted.
Hehe, shall we head home soon?
Coming back to my senses, I look for Mu-kun and Noko.

I suddenly ask Mu-kun.
"Is it cruel to bring Noko along when he doesn't have any pocket money to buy anything?"
Even though I told him there would be various events waiting during summer vacation, Noko has already used up his pocket money.
"No, I think it's fine. I think he's enjoying himself in his own way, getting taught various things and receiving items. Besides, not every kid gets to come to such a unique event."
Adults-- my "likes" have dragged these two along, but I suppose that's a social lesson too.
Even in the city center, the area around the Science Museum near the Imperial Palace is lush with greenery.
With the lively sound of cicadas in the background, I head home while gazing at the reddish evening sky.
See you again next year!