Hello! Today I would like to report on a unique event, the 47th Morioka Correctional Exhibition. In a place that is usually inaccessible to the public, the exhibition is a bustling festival with kitchen cars, a stage, and stalls selling handmade products. I will tell you what to see and how to enjoy it.
What is a Correctional Exhibition? Significance and Purpose
The Corrections Exhibition is an event held throughout Japan to connect prisons, juvenile training schools, and other correctional institutions with the local community. In addition to exhibiting and selling products made by inmates and users of juvenile training schools, the exhibitions are regarded as an opportunity for the public to learn about the philosophy of correction and efforts to reintegrate into society through facility tours and hands-on experience corners.
At the Morioka Correctional Exhibition,
- Display and sale of prison work products and vegetables grown in juvenile detention centers
- Tour of prison facilities, ride on a convoy bus
- Correctional publicity including panel displays, personality test experience, etc.
- Stage events (Japanese drums, brass band, dance, a cappella, etc.)
- Message of Life Exhibition" (an exhibition to think about the preciousness of life through the shoes and words of the victims)
A wide variety of programs are available, including
Thus, the Correctional Exhibition is not only a place to "show" but also a place to connect the community and the institution through learning, exchange, and empathy.
The 47th Morioka Correctional Exhibition: Date, Venue & Schedule
The outline of this year's event is as follows
| (data) item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:00-16:00 / Sunday, September 28, 2025, 10:00-15:00 |
| venue | Morioka Juvenile Prison (11-11 Matsuyashiki, Ueda, Morioka City) |
| Charge | Free Admission |
| Parking | Approx. 450 cars (free of charge) |
| Main Events | Exhibition and sale of prison work products, facility tours, convoy bus rides, stage presentations, correctional public relations, life message exhibition, etc. |
In addition, information on store openings and special events are also announced. For example, there are plans for the temporary opening of a "capic store" with products made in prisons in and out of the prefecture, guest appearances on talk shows, and more.
In the Instagram postings, you can see photos of kitchen cars, products from the Yokohama Prison, and brass bands and dancers on stage that convey a "festival" atmosphere.
I want to go there! Sightseeing Guide
Here are some of the things I would like you to see and experience when you actually visit, in my own order.
1. prison work products corner
The main focus is on the display and sale of woodwork, fabric, and leather products made by inmates in prisons with the aim of improvement and rehabilitation. This is a great opportunity to pick up and see work products that you would not normally see in person.
Some announce that there will be wooden playground equipment such as "toy boxes" and "jumping boxes," as well as food items such as prison-made pasta.
The products are often considered relatively inexpensive (i.e., within easy reach). This is one of the joys of visiting. That is one of the joys of visiting.
(2) Tour of facilities and ride on a convoy bus
One of the best parts of the Correctional Exhibition is the course that allows visitors to tour parts of the interior of the prison that are normally inaccessible. The time spent touring the prison's courtyard, buildings, and workshops while receiving explanations is a valuable exchange for both the facility and visitors.
Also, visitors can experience a ride on a bus. This is a program that allows visitors to experience a scene that is difficult to experience in everyday life: "transportation to prison.
3. stage performance
The special stage at the venue will host a variety of events, including taiko, brass band, dance, a cappella, etc. On Instagram, there will be a performance by an alumnus of a brass band.
The talk shows by local guests and participation of planning MCs are also highlights of the event to enliven visitors' experience.
4. message of life exhibition
The "Messages of Life" exhibit, a special exhibit within the Correctional Exhibition, is a section that displays "messengers" of shoes and words of family members of victims whose precious lives were taken in traffic accidents or crimes. It is provided as an opportunity to confront the weight of life and sacrifice.
This exhibit is not only an enjoyable event, but also represents the Correctional Exhibition's commitment to being a "place for thinking.
5. kitchen car and gourmet corner
At the Correctional Exhibition, kitchen cars and local gourmet foods will be available for visitors. Visitors will be able to enjoy food and beverages while touring other exhibits, creating a "festival flow.
In particular, the number of exhibitors other than food and beverage seems to be expanding, with some submissions of stall holders setting up bookstores at the prison show as "BBM (gift bookstore)".
Points of interest and precautions when visiting
- Be aware of congestion timeThe morning of the first day and around the stage time will be crowded. It is safe to go around with plenty of time to spare.
- Exhibit and sell as soon as possible.Popular products may sell out early. It is recommended to check the exhibition and sale area as soon as possible.
- Shoes and ClothingThe tour will take place in the morning and afternoon.
- Confirmation of shooting restrictionsPlease follow the signage in the facility tour area and inside the facility, as there are areas where photography is prohibited.
- Check in advance.The contents may be subject to change due to weather conditions, security, or management reasons. Please check the official information before going out.
Simulated One-Day Plan: To fully enjoy the Correctional Exhibition
| time zone | Activities |
|---|---|
| 10:00 | Doors open → Get snacks from kitchen car → Check venue map |
| 10:20 | Tour of the prison products exhibition area (work products, food, etc.) |
| 11:00 | Facility tour or convoy bus experience (confirm schedule) |
| 12:00 | Lunch (Kitchen Car or Food & Beverage on site) |
| 13:00 | Stage/Performance Viewing |
| 14:00 | A closer look at the Message of Life exhibition |
| 14:30 | Check out the exhibited products section and booths of interest again. |
| 15:30 | General summary and shopping → Leave the venue |
With this plan, you should be able to enjoy the contents fully and visit as few as possible without missing anything.
Why is it worth going to a correctional exhibition?
- Opportunity to learn about a world not usually seen
To "know" the inside of prisons, work sites, correctional efforts, etc. This is an opportunity for understanding and dialogue in a field that is not publicly known. - The joy of encountering handmade products
The significance of being able to pick up, purchase and support products made by people who are seeking a fresh start as well as those who have committed crimes. - A place of learning and empathy
It will be a time to think about life, damage, and renewal from the Message of Life exhibit and other sources. - Community interaction and festive atmosphere
There are many elements that can be genuinely enjoyed as a festival, such as stages, food and beverages, and stalls set up by local organizations. - cost performance
With free admission and products in many affordable price ranges, the event is packed with content that will make you "glad you attended.
Closing remarks and location information
The "Morioka Correctional Exhibition" is a festival of smiles and discoveries in a setting that differs from the daily life of a prison. Whether you visit the exhibition, shop, or watch the stage, it will be an experience and learning experience that will stay with you for a long time.
If you are planning a trip to the Morioka area or have a "slight interest in society and corrections," this is an event you should definitely visit. This year's event, the 47th, in particular, was packed with a variety of projects and highlights.
Be sure to visit someday!
Location Information:
Morioka Juvenile Prison
11-11 Matsuyashiki, Ueda, Morioka-shi, Iwate
Date & Time: September 27, 2025 (Sat) 10:00-16:00 / September 28, 2025 (Sun) 10:00-15:00