News

The winning works that will bring smiles to Nishimachi have been decided!
The theme is "Let's go, smile and stand together."

KIRISHIMA SHUZO CO., LTD. held the 24th Nishitachi Kirishima Flag Design Competition, a competition to design a flag to decorate the streets of Nishitachibana Street (commonly known as Nishitachi) in Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture's largest nightlife district.
The theme for this project was "Itcha-ga, Nishitachi with a Smile," which embodied the desire to express through design the kindness and sense of freedom of Nishitachi, a place where, whether you're having a good day or a bad day, you can just drop in and relax and smile, saying "Itcha-ga (That's OK)." A total of 33 designs were submitted by designers in Miyazaki Prefecture, and after judging, four designs were selected that best fit the theme. The selected flags will be displayed on Nishitachibana Street from Sunday, March 1, 2026, until the end of February 2027.

Since 2001, Kirishima Shuzo has been flying the "Nishitachi Kirishima Flag" on streetlights in the hopes of helping to further revitalize Nishitachibana Street. In addition to the three works awarded the "Grand Prize," "Excellent Prize," and "Kirishima Special Prize," one work has been selected for the "Nishitachi Special Prize," which is chosen by restaurants and other related parties on Nishitachibana Street. Please come to Nishitachi to see these four delightful works that will make anyone feel "Iccha-ga."

Kirishima Shuzo will continue to support Nishitachi, the heart of Miyazaki's dareyame, and work together with them to achieve further development.

■ Flags to be displayed from March 2026

Grand Prize

<Award Points>

The theme is the relaxed time spent after a launch party, and the pop colors yet somehow nostalgic design express the laid-back comfort of Nishimachi. The piece gently conveys the warmth of the town, conveying the presence of people relaxing in their own way and the gentle flow of time amid the seasonal enjoyment.

Excellence Award

<Award Points>

The fantastical overlapping of light and color depicts the exhilaration and comfortable immersion of a moment spent at Nishitachi. The extraordinary sparkle and lingering feeling that suddenly appears in the midst of everyday life quietly expands the imagination of visitors, building up anticipation for a special evening.

Kirishima Special Award

<Award Points>

Using a maneki-neko (beckoning cat) motif, the work symbolically expresses the tolerance and kindness of Nishimachi, which gently welcomes visitors. The soft, pale colors and quiet appearance portray the comfortable atmosphere of the town, evoking the impression of small happiness found in ordinary moments.

Nishitachi Special Award

<Award Points>

The friendly characters and gentle colors express the gentle, relaxing atmosphere of Nishimachi. The seasonal scenery is overlaid with signs of smiles, creating a work that evokes the warmth that permeates the town and the gentle connections between people.