Learning Space Summer Vacation Special Event After the Rain

Earth is hot and steamy

"Earth warming insect resistant"

August 1st was a day like this.

The afternoon was sunny after the heavy rain the day before.

I'm so annoyed.

The exhibition of aluminum artist Jiro Nagase was held at Utsushiki from July 24th to August 1st.

This event was planned to allow children on summer vacation to try out the new "fire starter" exhibit.
"Learning Space" Summer Vacation Special Event "Demonstration and Experience of Nagase Jiro's New "Fire Starter" - Baking Potatoes in Foil on a Midsummer Bonfire"

However, due to heavy rain from the previous day through the early morning, we had to abandon our plan to make a bonfire and enjoy baked potatoes wrapped in foil.

Because of the heavy rain, I thought for a moment that it might be difficult to hold the event, but I thought it was a rare opportunity to experience the event while being taught directly by Jiro himself, so
It was decided to hold the event differently than originally planned.

Instead of going outdoors, we opened the door to the coffee shop and didn't roast sweet potatoes over a bonfire.
Jiro and I discussed the idea of ​​preparing pre-roasted potatoes here and having everyone eat them in the cafe.

The rain stopped just before noon and the sky gradually cleared up.

"I wish I could do it, even if it was just a small bonfire."

As I was saying this, Oda-kun, the cameraman, told me that he had a fire pit in his car!

I thought that this could be done right outside the coffee shop.
The three adults who were preparing for the bonfire got excited, saying that it was worth it to have chopped firewood while they were at the exhibition.

I wonder what will happen if there's a change of plans...

Despite this, when it came to trying out the fire starters, the children said, "Let us try it next!" and focused on the spark-ignition fire starter, which was the easiest.

Adults will attempt the Maigiri method, which is level 5.

If you have even the slightest bit of hesitation about whether you can do it, the fire will not light.

Jiro's words really touched me: "If I didn't have this fire today, I might die on a deserted island!"

We weren't able to roast the potatoes, but we did make a bonfire and roast marshmallows to eat.

The elementary school boys were more interested in fire than marshmallows! They wanted to light a fire! They took on the challenge with that burning passion.
There was a kid who was able to light a fire by himself. He had great technique! It was so cool.

I guess I wanted to be outside in nature and have fun.

That's what I thought until just before it started.

Hmm, this fire is so hot, in this blazing sun, it's enough to make you sweat even indoors.

I was grateful for the rain because I probably would have collapsed if I had been outside for too long.

"Making a fire starter was difficult! I want to be able to make the most difficult one."

The boys talk passionately about their feelings.

“The sweet potatoes were delicious!”

These were the honest words spoken by a six-year-old girl in a lively voice.

Children inspire us adults.

This scene will be released on the Utsushiki YouTube channel this Friday, so please look forward to it.

We were so moved by Jiro, who sent us a video of himself making a fire like a young boy, that we decided to hold this event.

This is typical of Jiro-kun, who always has a sense of fun. Thank you so much for making the fire starter for us.

I hope this will be a fond memory for everyone's summer.

Ono Karori