Performing arts festivals and opportunities to enjoy live entertainment have been few and far between this year due to the ongoing pandemic, but dramatist Oriza Hirata, 57, has high hopes for his version of France’s famed Avignon Festival.
Hirata’s Toyooka Theater Festival is set to take place from Sept. 9 in the scenic area of Tajima, which borders the Sea of Japan in northern Hyogo Prefecture.
With its picturesque hills and coasts, as well as wetlands that serve as breeding grounds for rare kо̄notori (Oriental storks), Tajima was hoping to see an influx of tourism this year before the pandemic hit. Now locals are hoping the two-week festival will help entice visitors back to the area. Performances will be held at various venues in and around the small city of Toyooka after which the event is named.