On November 19 and 26, 'Okayama Onbi 2023' was held. With Okayama known as the 'Land of Sunshine' and the overcoming of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the theme 'Gyosan Kora Ree! Okayama Onbi! (Come on eveyone, to Okayama Onbi!)' was chosen with the hope that future activities would be even more vibrant and wonderful.

The term 'Onbi' stands for the Chugoku-Shikoku National University Music and Fine Arts Federation. Once a year, national universities in the Chugoku-Shikoku region come together for a performance and art exhibition. This tradition, which began in 1954, emerged at a time shortly after World War II when individual universities found it difficult to organize concerts and exhibitions independently. The Chugoku-Shikoku national universities collaborated to create this event.

Each year, the planning and operation of Onbi are undertaken by the extracurricular activities organizations of the host university. The hosting duty rotates among the nine universities in the Chugoku-Shikoku region (Tottori University, Shimane University, Yamaguchi University, Okayama University, Hiroshima University, Kagawa University, Ehime University, Tokushima University, Kochi University). In the 69th edition held this academic year, Okayama University took on the responsibility, hosting 'Okayama Onbi.'

In the music category, there were individual performances by each university, including brass band, orchestra, traditional Japanese music, and vocal music, as well as a performance by the Uraja-ren. In addition, a powerful joint performance was given by a group of over 150 people that was not limited by university boundaries.

In the art category, a fine art exhibition was organized, displaying diverse creations by students belonging to art, photography, and calligraphy clubs from each university. On the event day, many current students and local residents participated, and they could see the results of the students' daily practice and the lively atmosphere of the event.

Thanks to the efforts of the Okayama Onbi Executive Committee and many students who prepared for the event, as well as the cooperation of the attendees, all the scheduled activities were successfully concluded.

Next year's Onbi will be hosted by Hiroshima University and will take place in Hiroshima Prefecture. We look forward to welcoming many visitors again next year!

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