Local Community Paper 'Sumida Hochi' Publishes Special Edition for Edo-Tokyo Museum Reopening [Sports Hochi]

Hochi Shimbun (President: Tsuyoshi Hasegawa), publisher of Sports Hochi, has issued a special tabloid edition (all-color, 8 pages) of 'Sumida Hochi,' a free quarterly community paper distributed primarily in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, where the company's head office is located. The 'Edo-Tokyo Museum Reopening Special Edition' celebrates the museum's 'revival' on March 31st after approximately four years of large-scale renovations. The unique building, designed by architect Kiyonori Kikutake, is now packed with new highlights. With actor Shunsuke Kazama, a Sumida native, appointed as the official supporter for the 'Edo-Haku Renewal,' the town of Sumida is ready to help visitors travel back in time to the Edo period. The special edition introduces limited-time events and new museum attractions, and also features a special inclusion of the 'Ryogoku Town Walk Kawaraban' (final issue) produced by the Sumida Ward Tourism Division. In anticipation of the museum's reopening after four years, the town of Sumida will host a series of commemorative events on March 31st under the banner 'Welcome Back! Edo-Haku,' centered around the west exit of JR Ryogoku Station. At the station-connected Edo NOREN, there will be traditional Edo-style games like menko and demonstrations by traditional craft preservation societies. At the Ryogoku Station Hirokoji area, in addition to sumo jinku (folk songs), performers dressed as Edo-period yokai will gather to recreate the era's supernatural craze. Performances of song and dance inspired by the bon odori, which flourished during that time, will be showcased, along with street parades. The special edition includes the full event schedule and introduces the museum's highlights with photographs.