Free Distribution of Thinned Bamboo Grass for Tanabata Festival in Front of JR Takatsuki Station

On July 3, 2026 (Friday), the city of Takatsuki, the forest volunteer group Takatsuki Satoyama Network, and NEXCO West Japan jointly distributed approximately 1,000 pieces of thinned bamboo grass for Tanabata decorations in front of JR Takatsuki Station, aiming to raise public awareness about the importance of satoyama landscapes and to promote participation in traditional Tanabata festivities.

The Takatsuki Satoyama Network conducts volunteer activities such as thinning of mixed forests and bamboo groves and supporting nature-based environmental education to promote awareness of satoyama conservation. The bamboo grass distribution has been an annual initiative since 2006 (Heisei 18). The bamboo used was harvested during forest management activities in the Kamaki district of Takatsuki City, an area managed by NEXCO West Japan. The grass was cut into uniform lengths of about one meter to make it convenient for use in Tanabata decorations.

On the day, 42 participants—including members of the network, NEXCO West Japan staff, and city employees—distributed the bamboo grass around the station. They approached passersby with the invitation: "Would you like some bamboo grass for your Tanabata decoration?" Recipients expressed joy, saying things like, "I'm looking forward to decorating it at home."