Kashifu Festival 2025

“君となら” – Together with You

Welcome to the official homepage of Kashifu Festival 2025, the annual university festival of Nara Medical University. Our festival represents a unique celebration that bridges the rich historical heritage of Nara Prefecture with cutting-edge medical education and community engagement. The theme “君となら” (Together with You) embodies our commitment to bringing together students, faculty, local community members, and visitors in a celebration of learning, culture, and medical excellence.

Kashifu Festival 2025

Festival Overview and Significance

A Celebration of Medical Excellence and Community Spirit

The Kashifu Festival stands as one of the most significant annual events for Nara Medical University, bringing together the academic community with the broader Kashihara region. This festival represents more than just a university celebration—it serves as a bridge between the medical academic world and the local community, showcasing the university’s contributions to healthcare, research, and regional development.

Located in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, our university sits at the heart of Japan’s ancient Asuka region, where historical significance meets modern medical innovation. The festival name “Kashifu” combines elements that honor both our geographic location and our medical mission, creating an identity that reflects our dual commitment to preserving cultural heritage while advancing medical science.

The festival’s significance extends beyond entertainment and celebration. It serves as an important platform for demonstrating the university’s research achievements, showcasing student talents, engaging with prospective students and their families, and strengthening relationships between the university and the local community. Through various exhibitions, performances, and interactive experiences, visitors gain insight into the world of medical education and the vital role our institution plays in training future healthcare professionals.

Festival Dates and Schedule

Festival Dates: October 26-27, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday)

The two-day festival format allows for comprehensive programming that accommodates different audiences and interests. Saturday’s programming typically focuses on academic exhibitions, research demonstrations, and formal presentations, while Sunday often emphasizes community engagement, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

The weekend timing ensures maximum participation from local families, prospective students, and community members who may have work or school commitments during weekdays. This scheduling reflects our commitment to making the festival accessible to the broadest possible audience.

Our Beloved Mascot: Shotokuta Doctor-kun

The Story Behind Our Festival Icon

Shotokuta Doctor-kun (しょうとくた医師くん) serves as the beloved mascot and symbol of our festival, representing the unique character and spirit of our institution. This charming character was born from a creative fusion of historical reverence and medical dedication, combining the legacy of Prince Shotoku (聖徳太子) with the mission of modern medical education.

Character Profile:

  • Family Name: Shou (しょう)
  • Given Name: Tokuta (とくた)
  • Profession: Doctor
  • Birthday: February 7th (with alternative accounts suggesting May 15th)
  • Gender: Male
  • Birthplace: Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture
  • Special Skills: Simultaneously examining ten patients, bringing smiles to people’s faces
  • Favorite Foods: Anything with “Asuka” in the name
  • Hobby: Taking walks around Kashihara

The Historical Connection and Cultural Significance

The character draws inspiration from Prince Shotoku, one of Japan’s most revered historical figures, who is credited with numerous achievements in governance, Buddhism, and social welfare. Prince Shotoku’s establishment of the Four Temples (四箇院), which included facilities for treating the sick and caring for the elderly, creates a natural connection between this historical figure and the mission of a modern medical university.

This connection is particularly meaningful given our university’s location in the historic Asuka region, where Prince Shotoku lived and worked. The character design honors this heritage while making it accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences, especially children and families who visit our festival.

Shotokuta Doctor-kun’s distinctive speech pattern, featuring endings like “imoko” and “umako,” adds charm and memorability to the character while maintaining connection to historical linguistic patterns. These speech quirks have become beloved features that festival attendees look forward to experiencing.

Kashifu Festival 2025

Character Development and Community Engagement

The creation of Shotokuta Doctor-kun represents a collaborative effort that began in 2015 when the festival organizing committee solicited design proposals from the university community. Through a democratic voting process, the winning design was selected and subsequently refined through discussions among committee leaders and various department representatives.

The character has evolved from a simple festival mascot to a full-scale costume character that makes appearances at community events throughout the year. Regular appearances at venues like Aeon Mall Kashihara have helped build recognition and affection for the character beyond the university campus.

In 2016, the character’s popularity led to the creation of an original theme song, composed through collaboration between multiple university music groups including the Light Music Club, Ensemble Club, Guitar Club, and LIVE WIRE. This musical element adds another dimension to the character’s appeal and provides entertainment during festival performances.

Festival Programming and Activities

Academic Exhibitions and Medical Demonstrations

The heart of our festival lies in the extensive academic programming that showcases the breadth and depth of medical education at our institution. These exhibitions provide visitors with unique opportunities to explore medical science through hands-on demonstrations, interactive displays, and educational presentations designed for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Medical and scientific exhibitions allow visitors to experience aspects of medical training and research that are typically hidden from public view. These carefully designed demonstrations provide safe, educational experiences that help demystify medical procedures and showcase the precision and dedication required in healthcare professions.

Laboratory demonstrations offer glimpses into cutting-edge research being conducted by our faculty and students. These presentations are designed to be accessible to general audiences while maintaining scientific accuracy and highlighting the real-world applications of medical research.

Interactive health screenings and educational sessions provide valuable community health services while demonstrating the practical applications of medical training. These sessions often include basic health assessments, educational materials about disease prevention, and consultations with students and faculty about health and wellness topics.

Entertainment and Cultural Programming

The festival’s entertainment programming creates a festive atmosphere that appeals to diverse audiences while maintaining the educational mission of the event. Special guest performances bring professional entertainment to campus while providing students with opportunities to observe and learn from experienced performers.

Musical performances by university clubs and ensembles showcase the talents of our student body while creating an energetic festival atmosphere. These performances often include both traditional and contemporary music, reflecting the diverse interests and cultural backgrounds of our student community.

Cultural exhibitions highlight both the historical significance of our region and the international character of modern medical education. These displays often feature artifacts, artwork, and educational materials that help visitors understand the cultural context in which our university operates.

Stage performances throughout both festival days provide continuous entertainment while creating natural gathering spaces where different segments of our community can interact and connect.

Student Organization Participation

University clubs and organizations play crucial roles in festival planning and execution, providing opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, project management experience, and community engagement capabilities. Each participating organization contributes unique perspectives and talents that enrich the overall festival experience.

Food vendors operated by student organizations offer both traditional Japanese festival foods and international cuisine that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our student body. These vendors provide practical fundraising opportunities for student groups while adding to the festival’s authentic atmosphere.

Game booths and interactive activities created by student organizations provide entertainment for visitors of all ages while showcasing the creativity and organizational skills of our students. These activities often incorporate educational elements related to health and medicine.

Community Engagement and Outreach

Strengthening University-Community Relationships

The Kashifu Festival serves as a vital bridge between Nara Medical University and the broader Kashihara community, creating opportunities for meaningful interaction and mutual understanding. This community engagement reflects our university’s commitment to being not just an educational institution, but an active and contributing member of the local community.

Local businesses and organizations participate in the festival through sponsorship opportunities, vendor participation, and collaborative programming. These partnerships create economic benefits for the region while providing our students with real-world business experience and community connections.

Educational outreach programs during the festival help local schools and community groups understand the opportunities available in medical careers. These programs often include career counseling, educational workshops, and demonstrations designed to inspire interest in healthcare professions among young people.

Community health initiatives use the festival platform to provide valuable health education and screening services to local residents. These services demonstrate our university’s commitment to serving the broader community while providing practical learning experiences for our students.

Family-Friendly Programming and Accessibility

Recognizing that our festival serves diverse audiences including families with young children, elderly community members, and individuals with varying physical capabilities, we design our programming to be inclusive and accessible to all visitors.

Children’s activities are carefully designed to be both entertaining and educational, often incorporating simple medical concepts in age-appropriate ways. These activities help children develop positive associations with healthcare while providing families with engaging shared experiences.

Festival layout and accessibility considerations ensure that all visitors can navigate the campus safely and comfortably. This includes clear signage, accessible pathways, and accommodations for visitors with mobility challenges or other special needs.

Academic Excellence and Research Showcase

Highlighting Medical Research and Innovation

The festival provides an important platform for showcasing the research achievements and academic excellence that define Nara Medical University. Through carefully designed exhibitions and presentations, visitors gain insight into the cutting-edge research being conducted by our faculty and students.

Research presentations are designed to make complex medical and scientific concepts accessible to general audiences while maintaining scientific accuracy and rigor. These presentations often focus on research that has direct applications to community health and wellness, helping visitors understand the practical benefits of medical research.

Student research projects receive special attention during the festival, providing opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to present their work to diverse audiences. This experience helps students develop communication skills while building confidence in their ability to explain complex concepts to non-specialist audiences.

Faculty presentations offer deeper insights into specialized areas of medical research and practice, providing opportunities for community members to learn about advances in medical care and treatment options. These presentations often address health concerns that are particularly relevant to our local community.

Educational Demonstrations and Learning Opportunities

Interactive learning experiences allow visitors to engage directly with medical concepts and procedures in safe, supervised environments. These hands-on demonstrations help demystify medical training while showcasing the precision and skill required in healthcare professions.

Simulation exercises provide realistic examples of medical procedures and emergency response protocols, helping visitors understand the complexity and importance of medical training. These demonstrations are carefully designed to be educational without being disturbing or inappropriate for general audiences.

Technology demonstrations showcase the advanced equipment and systems used in modern medical practice, helping visitors understand how technology enhances diagnostic capabilities and treatment options. These exhibitions often include opportunities for hands-on interaction with medical devices under professional supervision.

Safety Protocols and Health Considerations

COVID-19 Prevention and Safety Measures

Understanding our responsibility as a medical institution attached to a hospital that serves high-risk patients, we maintain strict infection prevention protocols throughout the festival. These measures reflect our commitment to protecting both festival visitors and the vulnerable patients who depend on our medical facilities.

All festival programming is designed with flexibility to accommodate potential changes or cancellations that may be necessary due to evolving health circumstances. We appreciate visitor understanding and cooperation with safety measures that may be implemented to protect community health.

Hand sanitization stations, mask recommendations, and social distancing guidelines are implemented as needed to ensure the safety of all participants. These measures are communicated clearly to visitors in advance and supported by visible signage throughout the festival area.

Health screening procedures may be implemented as circumstances require, ensuring that only healthy individuals participate in festival activities. These screenings are conducted respectfully and efficiently to minimize disruption while maintaining safety standards.

Emergency Preparedness and Medical Support

Given our location on a medical university campus, comprehensive emergency medical support is readily available throughout the festival. This includes immediate access to medical professionals, emergency equipment, and established protocols for handling medical emergencies.

Security measures ensure the safety of all festival participants while maintaining a welcoming and accessible environment. These measures include crowd management protocols, emergency evacuation procedures, and coordination with local law enforcement agencies.

Sponsorship and Community Support

Partnership Opportunities and Recognition

The success of Kashifu Festival depends on generous support from local businesses, healthcare organizations, and community partners who share our commitment to medical education and community engagement. These partnerships create mutually beneficial relationships that strengthen both our festival and the broader regional economy.

Sponsorship opportunities are designed to provide meaningful value to supporting organizations while helping us deliver high-quality programming and services to festival visitors. Recognition through festival materials, signage, and promotional activities helps sponsors connect with our diverse audience of students, faculty, families, and community members.

Corporate partnerships often extend beyond simple financial support to include collaborative programming, educational opportunities, and ongoing relationships that benefit both our university and participating organizations. These relationships help our students understand career opportunities in healthcare-related industries while providing businesses with access to talented, motivated individuals.

Acknowledgment of Supporting Organizations

We extend heartfelt gratitude to all organizations that support our festival through sponsorship, partnership, and volunteer participation. Their contributions make it possible for us to offer high-quality programming while keeping the festival accessible to all community members.

Medical institutions, including Koriyama Seiran Hospital and other healthcare organizations, provide both financial support and professional expertise that enhance our festival programming. These partnerships demonstrate the collaborative spirit that characterizes the medical community in our region.

Local businesses, including restaurants and service providers, contribute to the festival atmosphere while showcasing the economic vitality of our community. These partnerships help visitors experience the best of what our region has to offer while supporting local economic development.

Digital Innovation and Online Engagement

Electronic Festival Guide and Digital Resources

Recognizing the importance of digital accessibility and environmental responsibility, our festival materials are primarily available in electronic format. The comprehensive digital festival guide provides detailed information about all programming, maps, schedules, and special events.

The digital format allows for real-time updates and ensures that visitors always have access to the most current information about festival activities. This approach also enables us to provide rich multimedia content including photos, videos, and interactive elements that enhance the festival experience.

Online accessibility features ensure that our digital materials can be used by visitors with various technological capabilities and physical needs. This includes mobile-friendly formatting, clear navigation, and alternative text for visual elements.

Social Media Integration and Community Building

Social media platforms provide important channels for festival communication, community building, and ongoing engagement with our audience. These platforms help us share updates, celebrate highlights, and maintain connections with festival participants throughout the year.

Real-time social media coverage during the festival allows people who cannot attend in person to participate virtually and stay connected with festival activities. This digital participation extends our reach and helps build broader awareness of our university and its mission.

User-generated content from festival participants helps create authentic documentation of the festival experience while building a sense of community among attendees. These contributions become part of the festival’s ongoing legacy and help promote future events.

Historical Context and Regional Pride

Honoring Nara’s Cultural Heritage

Our festival takes place in a region steeped in Japanese history, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation. The Asuka region, where our university is located, represents the birthplace of Japanese civilization and Buddhism, providing a meaningful context for our celebration of medical education and community service.

The connection between Prince Shotoku’s historical contributions to healthcare through the establishment of medical and social welfare institutions creates a natural link between our modern medical mission and the region’s historical commitment to caring for others. This connection adds depth and meaning to our festival while honoring the cultural significance of our location.

Archaeological sites and historical landmarks throughout our region provide visitors with opportunities to explore Japanese history while attending our festival. This combination of educational opportunities creates a unique experience that distinguishes our festival from typical university celebrations.

Integration with Local Tourism and Cultural Activities

Festival timing and programming are coordinated with regional tourism initiatives and cultural events to provide visitors with comprehensive experiences that extend beyond the university campus. This coordination helps support local economic development while enhancing the value proposition for festival attendees.

Partnerships with local cultural institutions, museums, and historical sites create opportunities for festival visitors to explore the broader region and gain deeper appreciation for the cultural context in which our university operates.

Transportation coordination and visitor services help ensure that festival attendees can easily access both campus events and regional attractions, maximizing the value of their visit to our area.

Future Vision and Continuing Legacy

Building Sustainable Festival Traditions

The Kashifu Festival represents an ongoing commitment to community engagement that extends far beyond any single year’s event. Our planning process focuses on creating sustainable traditions that can continue to serve our community for generations while adapting to changing needs and circumstances.

Student leadership development through festival participation provides valuable experiential learning opportunities that complement formal medical education. These experiences help students develop skills in project management, community engagement, and collaborative problem-solving that serve them throughout their medical careers.

Alumni engagement and ongoing connections help maintain festival traditions while incorporating new ideas and perspectives. Former students who participated in festival planning often return as professionals to support current events and mentor new student organizers.

Environmental Responsibility and Sustainability

Festival planning incorporates environmental considerations that reflect our institution’s commitment to responsible stewardship and public health. This includes waste reduction initiatives, sustainable procurement practices, and programming that educates visitors about environmental health connections.

Digital-first communication strategies reduce paper waste while improving accessibility and real-time communication capabilities. These approaches demonstrate how technology can support both environmental goals and improved service delivery.

Community education about environmental health topics integrates seamlessly with our medical mission while addressing important public health concerns that affect our local region.

Contact Information and Organizational Structure

Festival Organization and Leadership

The Kashifu Festival is organized and managed by the dedicated Kashifu Festival Executive Committee, composed of students from across the university who volunteer their time and expertise to create an exceptional community event. This student-led approach ensures that the festival remains authentic to the university experience while developing leadership capabilities among participants.

Committee leadership includes representatives from various academic departments, student organizations, and interest groups, ensuring that festival programming reflects the diversity and breadth of our university community. This collaborative approach to leadership development provides valuable experiential learning opportunities that complement formal academic programs.

Faculty advisors provide guidance and support while allowing students to take primary responsibility for festival planning and execution. This mentorship model helps ensure festival success while providing students with appropriate autonomy and responsibility.

Communication and Support

Primary Contact: kashifusai2025@gmail.com

Our communication team is committed to responding promptly to inquiries from prospective visitors, potential sponsors, media representatives, and community partners. We welcome questions about festival programming, accessibility accommodations, sponsorship opportunities, and any other aspects of the festival experience.

University Address: 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture

The festival takes place on the main campus of Nara Medical University, which is easily accessible by public transportation and offers convenient parking for visitors arriving by car. Detailed directions and transportation information are available through our digital festival guide.

Organizational Partnerships and Support

Primary Organizer: Nara Medical University Kashifu Festival Executive Committee

Official Endorsements:

  • Nara Medical University
  • Kashihara City
  • Kashihara City Board of Education

These official endorsements reflect the broad community support for our festival and the recognition of its value to both our university and the broader region. Support from municipal government and educational authorities helps ensure that our festival serves broader community development goals while meeting our institutional objectives.

The festival operates as part of the university’s broader community engagement mission, with support from administration, faculty, and staff who recognize the value of these connections for both educational and institutional development purposes.

Visitor Experience and Engagement Opportunities

Comprehensive Festival Experience Design

Every aspect of the Kashifu Festival is designed to provide visitors with meaningful, memorable experiences that showcase the best of our university and community. From the moment visitors arrive on campus, they encounter carefully planned programming that balances entertainment, education, and community building.

Interactive exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities allow visitors to engage directly with medical concepts and procedures in safe, supervised environments. These experiences are designed to be accessible to visitors with varying levels of scientific background while maintaining educational value and accuracy.

Cultural performances and artistic exhibitions highlight the creative talents of our student body while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of our region. These performances often incorporate traditional Japanese elements alongside contemporary artistic expressions.

Food and refreshment offerings feature both traditional festival foods and innovative options that reflect the international character of our university community. Student-operated food booths provide authentic festival atmosphere while supporting student organization fundraising efforts.

The Kashifu Festival 2024 represents our continued commitment to celebrating medical excellence, honoring cultural heritage, and building strong community relationships. Through comprehensive programming, dedicated student leadership, and broad community support, we create an annual celebration that enriches our university while serving our broader regional community. We invite you to join us in this celebration of learning, service, and community spirit that defines the best of what Nara Medical University represents.