News Discussion

Moominvalley Park's Umbrella Display Brightens Rainy Days

Moominvalley Park in Iruma, Saitama Prefecture, is a theme park inspired by the popular characters created by Finnish writer and illustrator Tove Jansson. The Moomins and Finnish culture enjoy immense popularity in Japan, with Moominvalley Park the first Moomin theme park outside of Finland.

Coinciding with the rainy season, the park is hosting a specialexhibition featuring 1,000 umbrellas until July 7. This outdoor display, now in its fifth year, spans approximately 200 meters along the park's pathways. According to a park spokesperson, the interplay of light filtering through the pink umbrellas creates various hues, promising a delightful experience for visitors regardless of the weather.

An office worker visiting with his family from Chiba Prefecture expressed his delight, saying, "I've always wanted to see this exhibition. The arrangement of the umbrellas is beautiful."

1. 1. inspired　触発された
   The novel was inspired by his own experiences.
2. 2. immense popularity　 大人気
   The actor’s immense popularity is evident in his large fan base.
3. 3. coincide　一致する
   The timing of the announcement was made to coincide with the company’s 50th anniversary.
4. 4. exhibition　展示会
   The exhibition will run until the end of the month.
5. 5. interplay　相互作用
   The interplay between the actors was one of the highlights of the play.

1. 1. What is Moominvalley Park inspired by?
2. 2. Where is the first Moomin theme park outside of Finland located?
3. 3. What did the office worker from Chiba Prefecture say about the exhibition?
4. 4. Are you familiar with the Moomins or any other elements of Finnish culture?
5. 5. Have you ever attended an exhibition that coincided with a particular season or event?

約１０００本の傘がつるされ空を彩る「アンブレラスカイ」が埼玉県飯能市のテーマパーク「ムーミンバレーパーク」で開催され、来場者の目を楽しませている。

今年で５回目となる屋外展示。赤やピンクなど約１０００本の傘が、園内の通路約２００メートルにわたりずらりとつるされている。天気によって傘を通した光の入り方が異なり、「どの天候でも楽しむことができる」と担当者は話す。

千葉県印西市から家族で訪れた会社員の男性（３７）は「ずっとこの展示に来たいと思っていた。傘の並びがきれいですね」と笑顔で話した。