The Fukiage-hama Sand Festival

The Fukiage-hama Sand Festival ( HP in English) 

has been held every year since 1987.

2011 it is held from May 1st to May 15th.  

It is my first time, 

we went there by car. 

There have some large parking spots 

and has shuttle bus service from parking to the site.

More than 90 sand sculptures are displayed.

Out of them, 11  top artists from in and outside of Japan 

are invited to come and compete 

through their spectacular creations.  

The theme of this sculpture is "Osaka". 
Made by Kagoshima citizen 

There is an section of contest for
 local elementary and junior high school students. 

He is professional artist, Bruce Phillips from US.

This title is "Future of Japan".

We could see some demonstrations.　

"INUIT SLED DOGS" by Karen Fralich
This is one of my favorite work.
It is sculptured by Canadian female artist. 

This work is expressing one scene of 

the Japanese fairy tale "Momotaro" :)

This event supports for reconstruction of Tohoku earthquake. 

Lots of people were writing comments to the suffers.  

and charity boxes are placed some area.

Although it was raining day,

many people visited:)

I found another attractive side of cost area.