The Spring Festival, celebrating the Lunar New Year, occurred in Kobe's Nankinmachi on the 17th, coinciding with the first day of the lunar calendar. This festival, which has been celebrated since 1987, adapted traditional Chinese customs, including lion dances and a dragon parade, which had been absent for the past seven years due to the pandemic. The parade featured a 22-meter-long dragon and drew cheers from the audience as performers paraded through the streets.

According to the organizing committee, the majority of attendees were Japanese tourists, which indicates that the impact of reduced Chinese tourist attendance may have been minimal. The festival aims to continue attracting visitors and fostering cultural appreciation despite the pandemic's challenges. In addition to the dragon parade, performances by local Chinese school students and other traditional dances were scheduled for the 21st to 23rd, showcasing the blend of cultures within the area and enhancing community participation.

This event illustrates the resilience of cultural traditions in Japan as communities seek to preserve and promote their heritage through public celebrations. Continuing such festivals not only supports local economies but also promotes intercultural understanding by bringing together diverse audiences to celebrate shared customs. The blend of local engagement with traditional practices can help ensure that these cultural expressions endure for future generations.