Panasonic Corporation held the "Autumn Festa 2025" in collaboration with Kusatsu City and Ritsumeikan University
On September 20, Panasonic Corporation hosted the "Autumn Festa 2025" at its Kusatsu site in Shiga Prefecture, in collaboration with Kusatsu City and Ritsumeikan University. The event welcomed many attendees, including Panasonic employees and their families, local community associations, citizens, and students, making for a highly successful gathering.
Scenes of the Autumn Festa
President Shinada of Panasonic and Mayor Hashikawa of Kusatsu City delivering opening remarks
On August 25, the three parties signed an agreement titled "Partnership for Enhancing Well-Being and Revitalizing the Community." With the goal of enhancing Kusatsu's appeal and strengthening its urban brand, the three parties will continue to collaborate through regular dialogue and exchange, deepening mutual understanding. The Autumn Festa marked the first time these efforts were presented publicly.
The event featured a wide variety of interactive booths to inspire participants to rediscover local attractions and foster interest in future community development. On stage, students from Ritsumeikan University delivered vibrant performances that energized the event.
Learning Zone: Reflecting on the Past, Envisioning the Future
In the "Learning" zone, various activities were offered, including workshops and career experience booths for children, a Panasonic history exhibition,and a screening of an introductory video about the Panasonic Group Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025.
The history exhibition featured products from the 1970 Osaka Expo, preserved by the Panasonic Museum, highlighting the advancement of home appliances and the transformation of society.
Future Zone: Creating the Future of Our Community
In the "Future" zone, a booth was set up to introduce initiatives based on the three-party agreement. Notably, a model of the Kusatsu site as envisioned in 2030*--jointly produced by Panasonic and students of Department of Architecture and Urban Design at Ritsumeikan University--was on display, presenting new ideas for urban development through industry-academia-government collaboration.
Model of the Kusatsu site as envisioned in 2030
At the booth where visitors could experience the latest home appliances, a tasting event was held featuring dishes prepared with cooking appliances using local ingredients such as Omi rice and Omi beef.
Additionally, a networking session with product developers was organized, attracting strong interest from attendees.
IH cooking appliance experience corner
Furthermore, as part of the Panasonic Group's Fukushima "Reconstruction" Support Action, the Fukushima Marche booth was featured in the merchandise area, drawing many visitors.
Fukushima Marche
*2030 marks the 60th anniversary of Panasonic's Kusatsu site
A cappella live
Product experience corner
Common booth for three parties
Nomo no Kuni MOVIE
Looking ahead, the partnership's activities will be showcased at "Welcome Day" at Ritsumeikan University's Biwako-Kusatsu Campus on October 11, and at the city-sponsored "Minakusa Festival" around JR Minami-Kusatsu Station on November 16.
Panasonic Corporation remains committed to creating a better future with employees and society through diverse initiatives rooted in local communities.
