Wednesday, November 26, 2025
The sound of wood connects hearts. A "Mölkky" festival for all generations is held
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.
The "Mölkky 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).
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."
Mölkky, a universal sport originating in Finland
The sport played this time, "Mölkky," is a sport that originated in Finland. The rules are very simple.
Players throw a wooden stick called a "mölkky" to knock down wooden pins (skittles) numbered 1 to 12.
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.
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."
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.
Group photo of participants
Warming up with smiles and strengthening team unity
After checking in, participants were divided into seven teams by drawing lots.
Even if people meet for the first time, once they become a team they quickly become friends.
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.
To avoid injury, everyone does radio calisthenics to loosen up their bodies.
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.
Nice shot! The joy of high-fiving
The competition is finally starting.
The tournament-style matches were an exciting affair, with cheers and sighs erupting with each throw.
"Go!" "Ah, so close!"
The adults watch with bated breath as the children use their entire small bodies to throw the sticks.
And the moment the pin fell as planned, the venue erupted in thunderous applause.
Once they successfully cleared 50 points and secured victory, the whole team high-fived!
Adults and children alike join hands and share their joy.
The "snap!" sound that rang out at that moment seemed to be proof that our hearts had connected.
"They're not my real grandchildren, though" - A form of love in the community
The spectacle that unfolded between the competitions was the real treasure of the event.
A little boy is sitting on an elderly woman's lap.
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)."
Everyone there was filled with warm smiles.
Even though they are not related by blood, they naturally touch each other's skin, love and are loved in this relationship.
Also, next to a mother holding a baby and waiting for her turn, another grandmother smiles gently at her.
"So cute, you've grown so much."
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.
Post-workout rewards and deeper bonds
After the fierce competition, there will be a closing ceremony and the announcement of the results.
We congratulate our teammates for their hard work and hard work.
After filling out the questionnaire, it's time for the long-awaited gift-giving.
The children's faces as they received the sweets were sweet, bright smiles, different from the smiles of victory.
Another treat is the delicious bread on sale from Rich Kobo.
The children shouted cheerfully, "I'm starving!"
Exercise, laugh and eat good food.
Is there any greater happiness than this?
Dad, Mom, Grandpa, Grandma, and the older brothers and sisters in the community.
The Mölkky tournament was enjoyed by all the families and the whole local community, all in one big family.
The dry sound of the wooden sticks falling may have been a magical sound that broke down the barriers in people's hearts.
With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers, we hope to see the "Everyone's Square Mölkky Festival" resonate and spread harmony and coexistence in the community.
YouTube videos
Other photos
Related articles
◇ 🖋️ Content planning, article writing, photo selection, and video creation: Ikuko Terauchi
Photography, editing, and website management: Noboru Terauchi
