Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri 2024: Cultural Adventure

The first time that we experienced the Rumoi Moekko Haru Festival was on March 12, 2023, which was my 496^th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. We were lucky to catch the Rumoi Moekko Haru Festival 2024 on March 10, 2024, and just like last year, it was a fun and lively event. The only difference this time was that my team did not participate in the Moekko Banba Race. Even so, my family and I still enjoyed watching the festival and soaking in the energetic atmosphere.

Rumoi Moekko Haru Festival 2024

Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri Details

The Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri (留萌萌っこ 春待里), or “Rumoi Waiting for Spring Festival,” is held every second week of March at Senba Park in Rumoi City, Hokkaido. As its name suggests, it is a way for the community to welcome spring while the snow still lingers. What makes this festival stand out is the Moekko Banba Race, where teams of eight drag a 700-kilogram herring boat through the snow. It is chaotic, thrilling, and very Rumoi.

Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri 2024 - Rumoi City, Hokkaido Prefecture

The festival has deep roots. The race originally came from the Yanshu Dosukohoi Winter Festival, which ended in 1998. Thankfully, in 2008, a group of determined local women revived the tradition and incorporated it into the Moekko Haru Matsuri. 

Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri 2024 Poster

Photos from the Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri 2024

Several stalls sold food and refreshments set up at the Rumoi Roadside Station parking area

You can also see stalls that provide services or promote local companies there

A truck was used as a makeshift stage

The town's mascot, Kazumo-chan, was introduced

If I'm not mistaken, the taiko performers were from the JSDF

They also had a brass band performance

The Human Rights mascots, Hitoken Mamoru-kun and Hitoken Ayumi-chan, were also present for the event

There were also games for kids

After the initial program, we went to Senba Park for the highlight of the Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri - The Banba Race

Since then, it has grown into a beloved local event that draws both participants and spectators every year. There were performances, booths, and fun activities at the Rumoi Roadside Station parking area, and mascots like Kazumo-chan and the Hito-KEN duo were there to entertain the kids.

The Iconic Moekko Banba Race

The highlight of the festival is the Moekko Banba Race, where teams of eight pull a 700-kilogram herring boat through the snow. It is messy, thrilling, and full of cheering spectators. Despite not joining this year, watching the teams struggle and sprint brought back memories of when I joined the Rumoi High School Chimidoro Team last year.

The Moekko Banba Race is a popular event in the festival, attracting both experienced and new participants. This year, 16 teams entered, and the draw for pairings was held at the captains’ meeting on February 20th. While many familiar teams took part, there were some first-time participants worth noting:

• SNOWMANS (Patrol Boat Chitose) – a team made up of members of the Patrol Boat Chitose, a new vessel assigned to the Rumoi Coast Guard in 2022.
• Kato Suisan Co., Ltd. – known for their Yamaka herring roe, this is their first time joining.

 

This Year’s Bamba Race Champion

This year's champion -  Rumoi High School Baseball Team

Although I did not race this year, watching the teams struggle, slide, and sprint through the snow brought back memories of when I joined the Rumoi High School Chimidoro Team last year. It reminded me how events like this help you feel connected to the local community. This year’s champion is the Rumoi High School Baseball Team.

Team Nicerio at Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri 2024

The Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri is not just a festival. It is a celebration of resilience, teamwork, and the shared excitement of welcoming spring after a long winter. If you ever find yourself in Rumoi in March, this is a uniquely local event you should not miss.

Getting to Senba Park

Senba Park is just behind Rumoi Roadside Station. This means that you have a wide space for parking in case you come by car. 

If you are commuting, ride the Horonobe Rumoi Line of the Engan Bus and get down at the Funaba Koen Mae bus stop.

If you're coming in by train, despite being literally behind the train station, Senba Park is still about 10-15 minutes away on foot from Rumoi Station.