SHIORI and RENI Meet with Chosei Village's New Mayor

Ahead of the large-scale live event "Momoclo Autumn Togin-sai 2026," to be held on October 17 and 18 at Amagadai General Park in Chosei Village, Chiba Prefecture, SHIORI and RENI visited the village office on September 9 and met with Mayor Okamoto Takanao.

The event was selected from applications submitted by around 40 municipalities. According to media reports, the deciding factors were that Chosei is the only village in the prefecture and that the village office showed strong enthusiasm for hosting the event.

Mayor Okamoto, who met with the members this time, is a newcomer who has only just taken office.

Following the resignation of the previous mayor, a mayoral election was held on September 6. Former village assembly member Okamoto won his first election by a margin of just 18 votes, defeating his opponent 2,997 to 2,979.

This means that only three days after taking office, he welcomed the members as the host of a major outdoor live event.

It is only speculation, but perhaps the MCZ side also waited until the new mayor had been decided before making the visit afterward.

During their conversation at the village office, SHIORI and RENI spoke alternately about their impressions of the village and the aims of the live event.

SHIORI said, "It is a place rich in nature that is easy to visit thanks to its convenient access from central Tokyo. We want people not only to have a good time, but also to learn about the village and come to love it. We hope we can deliver a live show that will make people living in Chosei Village proud to say, 'Momoclo came here.'"

RENI said with a smile, "Since Chosei is written with kanji meaning 'long life,' it sounds like a very auspicious place. I have also heard that there are local foods such as Chosei tomatoes and Chosei green onions."

She also added with a smile, "I heard Shishi-mai (lion dances) are famous here, so I would like one to bite my head before the live show."

They also referred to the heavy rains that recently caused extensive damage in Chiba Prefecture, saying with determination, "We want to bring some energy and encouragement in our own way."

Below, we would like to introduce a news video released on YouTube by a local television station.