The summer months have arrived!
July 2025
I hope that you and your families are doing well!
Did you know that Ehime Prefecture, especially Matsuyama, is a central hub for haiku culture in Japan? Today, the region celebrates haiku through education, public art, events, and international outreach, making it a cultural landmark for poetry lovers.
Matsuyama – "Haiku Capital" of Japan
・Haiku post boxes are everywhere in the city, where anyone can submit a haiku to be displayed publicly.
・Botchan Train & Botchan Theater, referencing Shiki’s friend Natsume Sōseki’s novel Botchan, which takes place in Matsuyama.
・International haiku contests and cultural events.
Haiku Paths and Stones
Matsuyama features “Haiku no Michi” (Haiku Paths), with haiku inscribed on stones placed throughout the city. These honor both traditional and contemporary poets, and encourage visitors to engage with haiku while exploring the city.
Fun facts about Ehime
Spring 2025
The Citrus Kingdom – Ehime is Japan’s top producer of mikan (mandarin oranges) and other citrus fruits. You’ll find mikan-themed everything, from juice vending machines to citrus-infused bath salts.
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Matsuyama Castle's Stunning Views – One of Japan’s twelve original castles, Matsuyama Castle sits atop a hill, offering breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea and the city below.
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The Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route – This famous 70-kilometer cycling route connects Ehime and Hiroshima through a series of islands and scenic bridges over the Seto Inland Sea. It’s a dream for cyclists worldwide.
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The Legend of the Bocchan Train – Matsuyama has a retro steam locomotive-style train named after Bocchan, a novel by Natsume Sōseki set in Ehime. It’s a charming way to explore the city.
Home of Japan’s Oldest Hot Spring – Dogo Onsen, located in Matsuyama, is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot springs, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. It even inspired the bathhouse in Spirited Away.
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Rafu Shimpo article
Click to Read
Please see the Rafu Shimpo article with regards to the 40th Sankei International SHO Special Shikoku Exhibition in Matsuyama City in Ehime prefecture where our former President Yasoji Matsuoka's student, who is learning the art of shodo under his education has been recognized in the exhibition. This Sho Exhibition is one of the four largest exhibitions in Japan.
Photos you can recognize are Mr. Harada of Kencho and Mrs. Nakajima of Kaigai Kyokai.
I hope that you will enjoy reading the article.
Fall is here again!
September 2023
Dear Ehime Members,
Fall is here again! My favorite time of the year! We found some colorful Fall photos of Ehime to share with you. Have you been to these places?
Shikokuchuo(near border of Ehime-ken & Kagawa-ken)
Nyohoji Temple(Ozu)
Tsunakakeiwa Shrine (Seto Inland Sea)
And speaking of Fall, we have exciting news to share with you for the next year Fall 2024. We are planning a 10-day or 12-day organized trip to Ehime, Hiroshima & Kansai prefectures. Would you and your friends or family members be interested in joining us? Email me with your thoughts at kiheio@aol.com as soon as possible!
Summer is here!
The Uwajima Ushi-oni Matsuri
July 2023
Dear Ehime Members,
Summer is here again! Hope you are all healthy and doing well.
The season of festivals is back in full force in Ehime prefecture.
Did you know the city of Uwajima hosts an annual festival called the Uwajima Ushi-oni (Cow Ogre) Matsuri every summer? The giant ushi-oni is known for its purification qualities and is carried by dozens of men who parade it around the town.
Spring is Here!
April 2023
Cherry blossoms at Matsuyama Castle
Haru ga kita! Haru ga kita! “Spring is Here” is a popular Japanese song welcoming the onset of cherry blossoms and warm weather. Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in Ehime and all over Japan.
Here are the 3 top cherry blossom viewing places in Ehime:
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Matsuyama Castle – With over 200 cherry trees, this castle is one of the most popular Hanami destinations.
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Dogo Park – Situated near the famous Dogo Onsen, the trees are beautifully lit up at night with paper lanterns.
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Mt. Sekizen – On a remote island near Imabari City, the cherry blossoms glisten at sunset.
Cherry blossoms on Mt. Sekizen
For your enjoyment, listen to the song “Haru ga Kita”
Happy New Year!
Dear Ehime Members,
Happy New Year! Happy Year of the Rabbit.
明けまして おめでとうございます。ことしも よろしく おねがいします。
January 2023
Winter season newsletter from Ehime!
January 2023
As you know, Ehime is the largest producer of Mikan in Japan. And it’s in full harvest right now. Anyone who has tasted these mandarin oranges knows it’s the sweetest and most delicious-tasting fruit. Please read the attachment from Takamura-san (of the Ehime Prefectural Tourism and International division) who graciously summarizes the annual production of Mikan. Thank you, Takamura-san!
All over Japan, you will find Mikan-based products like Mikan-flavored Pocky, canned jelly, and even somen noodles. And every New Years' holiday, Japanese households will display the Kagam Mochi topped with a Mikan. It’s truly a tasty and enjoyable time of the year!
Fall season newsletter from Ehime!
October 2022
The Fall season is upon us, the Pandemic is finally waning, and 2022 is almost coming to a close! In Ehime prefecture, Autumn is the season of colorful festivals like the Saijo Mikoshi Festival and the Niihama Taiko Festival.
Click the pictures to see the website for each festival.
Received the information from our Ehime Prefectural Gov't with regard to the current festival dates: October 2022.
"We were worried about whether the Autumn Festival would be held successfully this year, but it has been decided that the Saijo and Niihama Autumn Festivals will be held around October 15 and 16, and the Iyo-Mishima Autumn Festival will be held from October 21 to 23. Japan lifted the ban on visa-free entry for vaccinators on the 11th of this month. If you know anyone who will be visiting Ehime this month, please let them know the date of the Autumn Festival."
Dodgers vs Angels
Dodgers vs Angels
Game on July 15th at Angels Stadium cheered by Ehime members split on their own favorite team.
Kihei Otani(Angels), Donna Hernandez, Kimiko Fujita, Marty Hernandez(Dodgers).
July 2022
April 2022
Cherry blossoms in Japan signify the beginning of warmer weather, Hanami (cherry blossom viewing), and “pink” food items like Sakura mochi. In this issue, Mr. Yuki Onishi, Section Chief of Ehime Prefectural Gov't Tourism and Int'l Affairs Division, was kind enough to share some of the beautiful locations in Ehime for cherry blossom viewing! Please see the attached beautiful Spring sceneries of Ehime Prefecture.
April 2022
Terasaki Budokan celebrated its official opening in Little Tokyo on March 12, 2022.
