Astemo Utsunomiya Blitzen Partners with JA Kyosai Tochigi to Donate Road Safety Kamishibai
Astemo Utsunomiya Blitzen has partnered with JA Kyosai Tochigi to produce and donate 500 copies of a bicycle road safety kamishibai (paper theater) to nursery and educational facilities in Tochigi Prefecture.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 02:08
- 🔍 Collected: May 19, 2026 at 17:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 20, 2026 at 07:22 (13h 50m after Collected)
## Donation of Road Safety Kamishibai
Astemo Utsunomiya Blitzen, Japan's first community-based professional road race team, is producing and donating kamishibai (paper theater) focused on bicycle road safety to five nursery and educational organizations in Tochigi Prefecture.
A handover ceremony was held on May 18 at the Tochigi Prefecture Nursery Association, where team rider Masuda Naruyuki and team representative Kakinuma Akira presented the kamishibai to association chairman Kazama Yoshinobu.
Masuda commented, "While preschoolers have few opportunities to ride bicycles alone, I hope this helps them learn essential safety concepts like hazard prediction and consideration for others as they become elementary and middle school students."
Team Representative Kakinuma expressed the significance of the partnership with JA Kyosai Tochigi, noting it allows the team to meet the growing demand for its long-standing school-visit bicycle safety classes.
JA Kyosai Tochigi has been conducting school-visit safety education since fiscal year 2009. Wakabayashi Yuichi, head of the support department, stated, "We hope this kamishibai will serve the children as we strive for zero bicycle-related traffic accidents."
## Kamishibai Overview
- Story: Mascots 'Light-kun' (Astemo Utsunomiya Blitzen) and 'Minolitta' (JA Kyosai) learn traffic rules while bicycling to pick strawberries.
- Production Team: Astemo Utsunomiya Blitzen, Onodera Rei (PR Ambassador), MAI from Bunsei University of Art, JA Kyosai Tochigi (Sponsorship), Tochigi Prefectural Police (Cooperation).
- Recipients: Five organizations including the Tochigi Prefecture Nursery Association and Tochigi Prefecture Kindergarten Association, with a total of 500 copies produced.
Astemo Utsunomiya Blitzen, Japan's first community-based professional road race team, is producing and donating kamishibai (paper theater) focused on bicycle road safety to five nursery and educational organizations in Tochigi Prefecture.
A handover ceremony was held on May 18 at the Tochigi Prefecture Nursery Association, where team rider Masuda Naruyuki and team representative Kakinuma Akira presented the kamishibai to association chairman Kazama Yoshinobu.
Masuda commented, "While preschoolers have few opportunities to ride bicycles alone, I hope this helps them learn essential safety concepts like hazard prediction and consideration for others as they become elementary and middle school students."
Team Representative Kakinuma expressed the significance of the partnership with JA Kyosai Tochigi, noting it allows the team to meet the growing demand for its long-standing school-visit bicycle safety classes.
JA Kyosai Tochigi has been conducting school-visit safety education since fiscal year 2009. Wakabayashi Yuichi, head of the support department, stated, "We hope this kamishibai will serve the children as we strive for zero bicycle-related traffic accidents."
## Kamishibai Overview
- Story: Mascots 'Light-kun' (Astemo Utsunomiya Blitzen) and 'Minolitta' (JA Kyosai) learn traffic rules while bicycling to pick strawberries.
- Production Team: Astemo Utsunomiya Blitzen, Onodera Rei (PR Ambassador), MAI from Bunsei University of Art, JA Kyosai Tochigi (Sponsorship), Tochigi Prefectural Police (Cooperation).
- Recipients: Five organizations including the Tochigi Prefecture Nursery Association and Tochigi Prefecture Kindergarten Association, with a total of 500 copies produced.
FAQ
Who donated the kamishibai?
Astemo Utsunomiya Blitzen's rider Masuda Naruyuki donated it with the support of JA Kyosai Tochigi.
Where will it be used?
It will be used in nursery schools, kindergartens, and centers for early childhood education in Tochigi Prefecture.
What is the story about?
Mascots 'Light-kun' and 'Minolitta' learn traffic rules while going strawberry picking by bicycle.