[Co-hosted by Kamakura City] Sister City 60th Anniversary Event with Nice, South of France, 'BLUE FESTA 2026' to be Held on Saturday, May 30

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the sister city affiliation between Kamakura City and Nice City, France, the festival "BLUE FESTA 2026"—where food, art, and markets gather—will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Kamakura City Hall Parking Lot. This event is an exchange event themed around the "sea (BLUE)", crossing food, art, environment, and culture, allowing visitors to experientially enjoy the charm of both cities. On the day of the event, you can experience cultural exchange through a variety of contents, including French and Japanese food by Kamakura-based restaurants, a market inspired by the South of France, art experiences, and stage programs. Kamakura City and Nice, France signed a sister city agreement on November 9, 1966. Nice, a scenic tourist city with historical heritage, has many things in common with Kamakura, making it Kamakura City's first-ever sister city. Known as tourist cities boasting beautiful seas, mountains, and rich history and culture, they have nurtured a friendly relationship over many years. This event is being held to commemorate this 60th milestone and marks the first attempt at a citizen-participatory event themed around the connection between the two cities. Centered around the shared symbol of the "sea," diverse contents will be deployed as a place where people can interact while experiencing the culture and natural features of both cities. ■ "BLUE FESTA 2026" Event Overview Event Name: BLUE FESTA 2026 Date and Time: Saturday, May 30, 2026, 10:00-17:00 Location: Kamakura City Hall Parking Lot (18-10 Onari-machi, Kamakura City) Organizer: Kamakura x Nice BLUE Festa 2026 Executive Committee Co-organizer: Kamakura City Supporters: Kamakura City Tourism Association, Kamakura Chamber of Commerce and Industry Cooperation: Kamakura Japanese-French Association, Kamakura FM Admission: Free Official Event Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_festa2026 ■ Thoughts and Background Behind This Event This event aims to celebrate the milestone of the 60th anniversary of the sister city affiliation, as well as to make the relationship between Kamakura and Nice known to more people and pass it on to the next generation. Going beyond a mere commemorative project, it presents a new form of regional and international exchange by creating a "place to learn about culture and foster interaction while having fun." Rediscovering the charm of both cities connected by the sea and passing that value on to the future—this event aims to be the catalyst for that. ■ Main Contents Offering a diverse menu including French, Japanese food, and sweets by Kamakura-based restaurants. Exclusive original craft beer and wine for this event are also planned to be served. In addition to spatial decorations connecting Kamakura and Nice, art experience workshops will be held. A dedicated area for children will also be set up, creating a space where a wide range of generations can participate. Eco-friendly operations will be implemented, such as the use of reusable tableware and a circular market. The theme of "protecting the sea" will be experientially communicated. In addition to a photo exhibition introducing the history and scenery of both cities, a flea market and regular market will be held. Vegetables, fresh flowers, and miscellaneous goods that let you feel the charm of the land will be lined up. A talk session by the mayors of both cities (tentative), stage presentations by local elementary school students, and music programs such as chansons are scheduled to be held.