Watch and Learn About Kyoto in Real-Time Online: "Nekodama" to Simultaneously Stream Kyoto City Tourism Association's "Gion Matsuri Area Live Footage"!

Scheduled to begin streaming on Friday, July 10th at 10:00 AM.

Akegata Inc. (Company Name: Akegata, Headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Koji Sawada), which operates "Nekodama," a new platform for "learning and growth," will be installing live cameras in the Gion Matsuri area (Shijo Karasuma (Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and near Karasuma Rokkaku) during the Gion Matsuri period (July 10-24) to provide real-time streaming. In conjunction with this initiative by the Kyoto City Tourism Association, "Nekodama" will also feature this as a limited-time "Live Streaming Video Content" on "Nekodama ▦ Goban no Me Machi (Kyoto City)." This will provide elementary and junior high school students across the country with an opportunity to "experience live" from afar and learn about the Gion Matsuri. This initiative is part of creating "new relationships" that connect children's desire to "know" and "visit" with the region's desire for people to "know" and "come," thereby broadening their world.

Background of the Streaming

In addition to the Kyoto City Tourism Association's original objective of "installing portable live cameras in the Gion Matsuri area, which experiences concentrated crowds, to enable real-time streaming for checking congestion before visiting," we are also partnering to stream on "Nekodama" with the intention of providing a valuable opportunity for elementary and junior high school students who cannot actually visit to experience the Gion Matsuri.

The Gion Matsuri, with over a thousand years of history, is a festival of Yasaka Shrine that involves various ceremonies throughout the month of July, from July 1st (Kippuiri) to July 31st (Ekijinja Nagoshi Matsuri). In particular, the Yamaboko processions on the 17th (Sakimatsuri) and 24th (Atomatsuri), and the Yoiyama festivals preceding them, attract large crowds, filling the streets of Kyoto with the fervor of the festival. We aim to create an opportunity for "learning" that stimulates intellectual curiosity about the "Yamaboko Events of the Kyoto Gion Matsuri," which is also registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, by allowing viewers to feel the liveliness of Kyoto in July, which is completely immersed in the Gion Matsuri, through live video. In addition to "Nekodama ▦ Goban no Me Machi (Kyoto City)," there is also "Nekodama 🛤 Torokko Machi (Kyoto City)," where a total of over 10 permanent live video feeds can be viewed. We invite you to visit "another Kyoto city" online, where you can enjoy a natural "learning experience" through fun content, including quiz videos about tourism etiquette.

"Nekodama" is free to use, but advance application is required to access it. Those who wish to see Kyoto in the summer, fully immersed in the Gion Matsuri, please apply as soon as possible. [Apply here] https://nekodama8.site

Additionally, this summer, we are planning a "Nekodama Summer Event" also for elementary and junior high school students. Details will be announced later, but by following the event page below, you can easily stay updated on information as it becomes available. We encourage you to register for this opportunity as well. [Follow the event page here] https://nekodama8.peatix.com

"Nekodama" also features many other "virtual towns" and "interconnected towns" online, created by various organizations such as local governments, companies, museums, and NPOs across the country, as well as by individuals. As a continuously growing "808 towns" filled with various content beyond videos, we will continue to expand and accumulate a wide variety of content and events while connecting elementary and junior high school students nationwide with local adults (local governments, companies, organizations, etc.).

▼ For local governments, boards of education, schools, companies, and other organizations interested in participating in or using "Nekodama" [Contact Us] https://nekodama8.site/contact

Streaming Overview

Streaming Location

Online ※ "Nekodama ▦ Goban no Me Machi (Kyoto City)"

Streaming Date and Time

Friday, July 10, 2026 - Friday, July 24, 2026

Target Audience

Elementary and Junior High School Students (8-15 years old)

Viewing Fee

Free

※ Advance application required: https://nekodama8.site

Comments

"Nekodama" is a space for children's self-directed "learning and growth" [Targeted at elementary and junior high school students (8-15 years old), free to use, online service] ※ Those who wish to use it, please inquire through the application form <https://nekodama8.site> (After the parent/guardian applies through the participation application form, access rights will be granted, and then the child can use it).

Akegata Inc. / Representative Director Koji Sawada

"Nekodama" aims to connect elementary and junior high school students nationwide with local adults (local governments, companies, organizations, etc.) and to unleash children's "limitless potential to become anything, anytime, anything!" We will promote the creation of spaces where each child can "learn and grow" in their own way, so that we can open up the future for children together. Wishing for a bright future for children and society, we intend to grow together while gathering support from volunteers who share our vision.

Company Profile

Akegata Inc. expresses its desire to be a force that helps people and companies embrace their unique and new beginnings. We are dedicated to creating opportunities for unique strengths to "emerge," enabling people and companies to unlock their inherent potential and usher in wonderful "akegata" (dawn/beginnings). Furthermore, we believe that each "akegata" where individuals and businesses turn their lives and businesses around for the better contributes to the realization of a better society. Ultimately, we strive to connect to the dawn of Japan and the world.

・Location (Headquarters): Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

・Established: October 2024

・Business Activities: Planning, production, operation, sales, and production of various content related to children's learning. ・Company Website URL: https://akegata8.co.jp/

※ Official SNS can be accessed via the QR code on the right. (From left to right: Instagram, Facebook, Threads)

<Advertising Award History> 41st Yomiuri Advertising Grand Prize, Runner-up / Creator Award 73rd Asahi Advertising Award, Department Award

45th Newspaper Advertising Award, Advertiser Category, Newspaper Advertising Award Selected and included in "Copy Yearbook 2025"