Kibou no Machi Music Festival 2026 Unveils Main Visual — Set to Take Place in Kitakyushu on November 14–15, 2026

Certified NPO Houboku (headquartered in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture; CEO: Tomoshi Okuda) has unveiled the main visual today for the music event 'Kibou no Machi Music Festival 2026,' to be held on November 14 (Sat) and 15 (Sun), 2026, at 'Kibou no Machi' in Kokura-Kita Ward, Kitakyushu City. (Note: The main visual image is attached to this release. For high-resolution data, please contact the inquiry address below.)

Ticket sales and the first lineup of performing artists are scheduled to be announced in mid-July 2026.

◆ Toward a Society Where People Can Say 'Help Me' — A Music Festival to Celebrate the Opening of 'Kibou no Machi'

Founded in 1988 with a street food outreach program in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Certified NPO Houboku has been supporting people in poverty for 38 years. Starting with aid for homeless individuals, the organization now operates 29 programs, including employment support, disability support, children and family support, and rehabilitation services. Over 3,800 people have secured housing through Houboku's residential support, and the organization continues to assist approximately 1,000 individuals.

To commemorate the completion of 'Kibou no Machi'—Houboku's new hub currently under construction in Kokura-Kita Ward, Kitakyushu (scheduled for completion by the end of August 2026)—this two-day music festival will be held before the grand opening, transforming the entire building into a stage.

◆ Original Illustration by Artist Seitaro Kuroda! A Visual Symbolizing 'Kibou no Machi'

The main visual was created by Seitaro Kuroda, a painter based in Kitakyushu with close ties to Houboku. Recently celebrated for a major solo exhibition at the Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art, Kuroda illustrated the artwork based on the concept of 'a picture where people are together, feeling joyful and intrigued.'

◆ Two Days Without Boundaries: Enjoying Together

'Kibou no Machi' is designed as an open 'town' for the community, housing a shelter for people with disabilities and those experiencing poverty, while also welcoming the public. Rather than separating those in need from others, it aims to create a space where people of all backgrounds—locals, travelers, those with or without challenges—can freely mix and coexist.

This music festival embodies that very 'mixed' atmosphere. Over two days, around 30 artists and diverse programs—including live music, workshops, talks, and unique experiences only Houboku can offer—will bring the space to life.

■ Event Overview

Event Name: Kibou no Machi Music Festival 2026

Dates: November 14 (Sat) – 15 (Sun), 2026

Venue: Kibou no Machi (1-1-12 Kamidake, Kokura-Kita Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture)

Performers: Approximately 30 acts (live music, workshops, talks)

Capacity: 500 per day (1,000 total over two days) / All standing

Ticket Sales Start: Mid-July 2026 (planned)

First Artist Lineup Announcement: Mid-July 2026 (planned)

Organizer: Certified NPO Houboku

Illustration: Seitaro Kuroda

Calligraphy/Design: Manami Ishida

■ Completion Rendering of 'Kibou no Machi'

Provided by: Tezuka Architects

※ Please credit the provider when using the image.

Construction of 'Kibou no Machi' on June 16, 2026

■ Organization Overview

Certified NPO Houboku (Houboku)

Official Website: https://www.houboku.net

■ Inquiry (For Media and General Public)

Public Relations, Certified NPO Houboku

Tel: 093-653-0779 (Weekdays 9:00–17:00)

Email: npo@houboku.net