{"id":66684,"date":"2025-11-27T09:36:27","date_gmt":"2025-11-27T00:36:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/?p=66684"},"modified":"2025-11-28T08:54:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T23:54:00","slug":"%e3%81%8a%e3%82%80%e3%81%99%e3%81%b3%e3%83%bb%e3%83%a2%e3%83%ab%e3%83%83%e3%82%af%e5%a4%a7%e4%bc%9a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/66684\/","title":{"rendered":"The sound of wood connects hearts. A place for everyone across generations to enjoy the "Omusubi" M\u00f6lkky Tournament!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wednesday, November 26, 2025<\/p>\n

On Saturday, November 22nd, the "Omusubi" M\u00f6lkky Tournament was held at the Hokuryu Town Senior Citizens Welfare Center. Approximately 40 people, ranging from newborn babies to seniors, gathered to compete in this Finnish sport. They shared their joy with high-fives and enjoyed a warm moment that felt like a "family" beyond blood ties.<\/div>\n

The sound of wood connects hearts. A "M\u00f6lkky" festival for all generations is held<\/h2>\n

On Saturday, November 22nd, the Hokuryu Town Senior Citizens Welfare Center was filled with such enthusiasm and smiles that it made people forget the cold outside.<\/p>\n

The "M\u00f6lkky Tournament" was held with great fanfare as an event at the "Omusubi" Everyone's Square, sponsored by the Hokuryu Town Social Welfare Council (Chairman: Yamamoto Tsuyoshi).<\/p>\n

Approximately 40 energetic townspeople gathered at the venue. From babies to seniors, it was a warm and welcoming moment for the "big family of Hokuryu Town."<\/p>\n

\"Reception<\/a>
Reception staff<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

M\u00f6lkky, a universal sport originating in Finland<\/h3>\n

The sport played this time, "M\u00f6lkky," is a sport that originated in Finland. The rules are very simple.<\/p>\n

Players throw a wooden stick called a "m\u00f6lkky" to knock down wooden pins (skittles) numbered 1 to 12.<\/p>\n

The number of trees that fall or the number written on the board will be the points, and the first team to reach exactly 50 points will win.<\/p>\n

\"Skittle\"<\/a>
Skittle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It requires not only physical strength and skill, but also a bit of wit, but the best thing about it is that "anyone can enjoy it together."<\/p>\n

It is a sport that perfectly suits the "spirit of harmony" of Hokuryu Town, as everyone from children to the elderly can compete on the same level.<\/p>\n

Group photo of participants<\/h3>\n
\"Group<\/a>
Group photo of participants<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Warming up with smiles and strengthening team unity<\/h3>\n
\"Participants<\/a>
Participants arriving one after another<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After checking in, participants were divided into seven teams by drawing lots.<\/p>\n

Even if people meet for the first time, once they become a team they quickly become friends.<\/p>\n

\"People<\/a>
People waiting for the start of the tournament<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the opening ceremony, the host, Masayoshi Abe, head of the Hokuryu Town Social Welfare Council, declared the event open in a bright and energetic manner.<\/p>\n

\"Chief<\/a>
Chief Masayoshi Abe giving a speech at the opening ceremony<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To avoid injury, everyone does radio calisthenics to loosen up their bodies.<\/p>\n

The sight of everyone stretching their arms out in unison was a spectacular sight, and it instantly heightened the sense of unity in the venue.<\/p>\n

\"Radio<\/a>
Radio calisthenics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nice shot! The joy of high-fiving<\/h3>\n

The competition is finally starting.
\nThe tournament-style matches were an exciting affair, with cheers and sighs erupting with each throw.<\/p>\n

\"Take<\/a>
Take aim!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"With<\/a>
With a serious expression!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

"Go!" "Ah, so close!"
\nThe adults watch with bated breath as the children use their entire small bodies to throw the sticks.<\/p>\n

And the moment the pin fell as planned, the venue erupted in thunderous applause.<\/p>\n

\"Share<\/a>
Share the joy with a high five!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once they successfully cleared 50 points and secured victory, the whole team high-fived!<\/p>\n

Adults and children alike join hands and share their joy.<\/p>\n

The "snap!" sound that rang out at that moment seemed to be proof that our hearts had connected.<\/p>\n

\"Good<\/a>
Good job!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

"They're not my real grandchildren, though" - A form of love in the community<\/h3>\n

The spectacle that unfolded between the competitions was the real treasure of the event.<\/p>\n

A little boy is sitting on an elderly woman's lap.<\/p>\n

When people around him smiled and asked, "Is that your grandson?", the boy being held answered cheerfully, "I'm not your real grandson though! (laughs)."<\/p>\n

\"I'm<\/a>
I'm not a grandson though!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Everyone there was filled with warm smiles.
\nEven though they are not related by blood, they naturally touch each other's skin, love and are loved in this relationship.<\/p>\n

Also, next to a mother holding a baby and waiting for her turn, another grandmother smiles gently at her.
\n"So cute, you've grown so much."<\/p>\n

Everyone in the community watches over the children in their community as if they were their own children or grandchildren. This is an example of an "extended family" where loneliness is no longer a concern.<\/p>\n

\"Grandma<\/a>
Grandma holds her child like her own grandchild<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"People<\/a>
People surrounding the baby<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Post-workout rewards and deeper bonds<\/h3>\n

After the fierce competition, there will be a closing ceremony and the announcement of the results.
\nWe congratulate our teammates for their hard work and hard work.<\/p>\n

\"Results<\/a>
Results announced!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Award<\/a>
Award commemorative presentation!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After filling out the questionnaire, it's time for the long-awaited gift-giving.<\/p>\n

The children's faces as they received the sweets were sweet, bright smiles, different from the smiles of victory.<\/p>\n

\"Get<\/a>
Get a free candy gift after filling out the survey!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another treat is the delicious bread on sale from Rich Kobo.
\nThe children shouted cheerfully, "I'm starving!"
\nExercise, laugh and eat good food.
\nIs there any greater happiness than this?<\/p>\n

\"Rich<\/a>
Rich Kobo breads are lined up...<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dad, Mom, Grandpa, Grandma, and the older brothers and sisters in the community.<\/p>\n

The M\u00f6lkky tournament was enjoyed by all the families and the whole local community, all in one big family.<\/p>\n

The dry sound of the wooden sticks falling may have been a magical sound that broke down the barriers in people's hearts.<\/p>\n

With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers, we hope to see the "Everyone's Square M\u00f6lkky Festival" resonate and spread harmony and coexistence in the community.<\/p>\n

YouTube videos<\/h2>\n