Natsume's Book of Friends in Kumamoto 2026 ~Hitoyoshi/Kuma~
A collaboration project between the TV anime "Natsume's Book of Friends" based on Yuki Midorikawa's original work and Kyushu Sanko Group, "Natsume's Book of Friends in Kumamoto 2026 ~Hitoyoshi/Kuma~" will be held in July. A collaborative project between Kyushu Sanko Group and the theatrical animation ``To Fireflies in the Forest,''' also based on Midorikawa's original work, will be held at the same time.
“Natsume’s Book of Friends in Kumamoto 2026 ~Hitoyoshi/Kuma~” visual
Bus Tour Details
Continuing from last year, "Natsume's Book of Friends in Kumamoto 2026 ~Hitoyoshi/Kuma~" is a collaboration project that conveys the charms of Kumamoto's Hitoyoshi and Kuma. Illustrations of Takashi Natsume and others in yukata, designed based on the rich nature and traditional culture of Hitoyoshi and Kuma, will be used on bus bodies, limited goods, novelty items, events, etc.
The wrapped bus runs between Kumamoto City and Fukuoka City from late June to November 30th. The bus schedule is determined two days in advance, so please contact the Kyushu Sanko Bus Kumamoto office for information on the bus schedule. A wrapped bus tour will also be held to visit Hitoyoshi and Kuma, which are model locations in the work. You will be guided through atmospheric narrow streets and hidden spots that cannot be accessed by bus, and those who participate will also receive novelties. The event runs from July 12th to November 22nd. Reservations are now being accepted for both day trips and overnight stays.
To Firefly Forest Collaboration Project
In addition, in a collaboration project between ``To Firefly Forest'' and the Kyushu Sanko Group, a wrapped bus will be operated mainly in Aso and Takamori Town, Kumamoto, which were the model locations for the anime. A bus tour will be held to visit the model locations and scenic spots for the works. Wrapped on the bus are the main visuals of the anime, including the main characters Gin and Hotaru. It will run from early July to September 30th, mainly on routes connecting Aso to Miyazaki and Takachiho.
In addition to the model site Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine, the bus tour will also visit Tsujunbashi Bridge, Shirakawa Water Source, the roadside station Asobo no Sato Kugino, and Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki. The event runs from July 4th to September 22nd. If you participate, you will receive an original film-style bookmark. Reservations are now being accepted on the Kyushu Sanko Group website.
