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
What is the name of the kamishibai distributed by Astemo Utsunomiya Blitzen in Tochigi Prefecture?
The kamishibai is titled 'Bicycle Road Safety Kamishibai' and focuses on safe cycling practices.
How many copies of the road safety kamishibai did Astemo Utsunomiya Blitzen donate to facilities?
Astemo Utsunomiya Blitzen donated exactly 500 copies of the bicycle road safety kamishibai.
Which organization collaborated with Astemo Utsunomiya Blitzen on the road safety kamishibai project?
JA Kyosai Tochigi partnered with Astemo Utsunomiya Blitzen to produce and distribute the kamishibai.
Where were the 500 kamishibai sets donated by Astemo Utsunomiya Blitzen intended to be used?
The 500 kamishibai sets were donated to nursery and educational facilities in Tochigi Prefecture.
What safety topic does the Astemo Utsunomiya Blitzen kamishibai specifically address for children?
The kamishibai specifically addresses bicycle road safety for young children in educational settings.