On June 17, Okayama University’s Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology held Firefly Festival 2018 at the Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology Building and the on-campus aquatic circulation facility, Tanjo-ike (Biotope Pond).

This festival was co-hosted by the Okayama University Student Co-op Committee (C.C.C.!) and Okayama University’s Environmental Club (ECOLO). It was planned and organized mainly by students enrolled in the Practical Water Environment Science and Practice Training, a course provided by the Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology, in collaboration with student volunteers from Ujo High School and other local schools.

The festival included a variety of events enjoyed by families, including uchiwa (paper fan) making. Children also enjoyed observing fireflies in rearing cages and the eggs of three species of fireflies. The festival also included a lecture on fireflies by an expert and a workshop, in which participants discussed ways to create better habitats for fireflies.

The festival attracted more than 100 people including local neighborhood association members, faculty and staff members and their families. Walking around Tanjo-ike pond after sunset was a fascinating experience for visitors. The festival helped meet one of the objectives of the on-campus aquatic circulation facility—“To provide a relaxing environment for local people.”