[Saitama Prefecture] Recruiting Participants for "Water Source Exciting Seminar 2026"

Saitama Prefecture and the Saitama Prefectural Enterprise Bureau have been holding the "Water Source Exciting Seminar" since fiscal year 1996 at the town of Naganohara in Gunma Prefecture, where the Yamba Dam is located, to deepen mutual understanding through exchange with water source areas. The event includes upstream-downstream exchange meetings to learn where the tap water that is easily obtained by turning a faucet comes from, as well as dam tours.

In addition, as a place for interaction with local children, a soccer introductory class will be held in cooperation with professional soccer teams Urawa Reds and Thespa Gunma. Please join us for an opportunity to learn about water and create fun memories.

1. Date and Time
July 22, 2026 (Wednesday) 10:00 AM to July 23, 2026 (Thursday) 12:00 PM
(1 night, 2 days at hotel; accommodation: Villa Kita-Karuizawa L-Wing)

2. Location
Naganohara Town, Gunma Prefecture (Yamba Dam, Town Citizens' Square, etc.)
Meeting method and location (gather and disband locally)
For those arriving by car: Meet at the parking lot of "Naruhodo! Yamba Museum"
For those arriving by train: Meet near the ticket gate of "JR Kawayu-Onsen Station"
*Bus transfer from the station to the venue is available.

3. Target Participants
Elementary school students (grades 1-6) residing in Saitama Prefecture and their parents (total of 60 people)
*Up to 2 elementary school students per 1 parent
*If the number of applicants exceeds the capacity, a lottery will be held.

4. Contents
Tour of Yamba Dam
Upstream-downstream exchange meeting (Soccer introductory class by Urawa Reds and Thespa Gunma, quiz contest about tap water and water sources)

5. Participation Fee
Accommodation fee: 14,500 yen (tax included) per parent, 8,000 yen (tax included) per elementary school student.

6. Application Method
Method: Apply via the prefectural website
https://apply.e-tumo.jp/pref-saitama-u/offer/offerList_detail?tempSeq=120166
Application Period: June 9, 2026 (Tuesday) to June 22, 2026 (Monday) 23:59

(Reference) Scenes from last year's "Water Source Exciting Seminar 2025"
https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/a0108/jokaryu-koryu/2025wakuwaku.html

[Contact Information]
Planning and Finance Department, Land and Water Policy Division
Water Planning Coordination and Water Source Area Measures Section
Direct Line: 048-830-2189
E-mail: a2180-02@pref.saitama.lg.jp