The "2018 Moomin Day Gathering" was held on August 9th at the Nerima Cultural Center in Nerima, Tokyo. "Moomin Day" was established in 2005, marking 60 years since the first publication of "Moomin," and various events are held every year on August 9th, the birthday of Moomin author Tove Jansson, to welcome Moomin fans.


This was the 14th time the event has been held. A video message from Sophia Jansson, the niece of the original author, was aired, announcing the world's first opening date for Moomin Valley Park, a Moomin-themed facility currently under development by FinTech Global and Moomin Monogatari in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, set for March 16, 2019. The latest information on the exhibits within the facility, including KOKEMUS, Lonely Mountain, and Moomin Valley, was also revealed. FinTech Global and Moomin Monogatari are developing Metsä, a complex centered around Lake Miyazawa in Hanno City, consisting of Metsa Village and Moomin Valley Park, where visitors can experience a Nordic lifestyle. Metsa Village will open on November 9. Moomin Valley Park's opening date was set for March 16, 2019, as it coincides with the spring when the Moomins emerge from hibernation.


Moomin Valley Park is divided into four areas: KOKEMUS, an exhibition facility where you can learn more about the world of Moomin and its creator, Tove Jansson; Moomin Valley, where you can experience the Moomin stories; and Lonely Mountain, where you can go on physical challenges and adventures.


The three-story exhibition facility "KOKEMUS," which means "experience" in Finnish, is a facility that weaves together Tove Jansson's life and Moomin works, allowing visitors to relive the Moomin stories and learn more about them. After walking through the interactive exhibition space and enjoying the permanent and special exhibitions, you can unwind at the Moomin gift shop and cafe, which stocks imported Moomin goods from Scandinavia, or try your hand at making things in a workshop. There is also a main shop with one of the world's largest selections of products, and a restaurant inspired by the Moomins' nighttime forest party. The "Lonely Mountain" area is a mountain of adventure and adventure, and features an amusement park based on the story of "Mr. Hemulen, who likes quiet places," from the novel "Moominvalley." The park features a treehouse, suspension bridge, merry-go-round, and other attractions that appear in the episode in which Mr. Hemulen, who used to work at an amusement park, built his own by hand after the park closed. Starting from the top of Lonely Mountain, the zip-line attraction "Flying Oni's Zipline Adventure" features guests sliding down a wire stretched through the forest on a pulley, enjoying spectacular views and thrills as they glide approximately 400 meters round trip across the surface of Lake Miyazawa. Just like the "Flying Oni" character from the novel "Moominvalley," guests can enjoy the breeze as they glide through the forest and over the lake. In the "Moominvalley" area, there's a photo studio called "Muikku Photo," which is set in Moominvalley and is visited by the Moomins. Visitors can have their commemorative photos taken by a professional photographer with Moomin characters dressed in their original costumes. In a video message, Sofia Jansson said, "Tove was inspired and influenced by Japanese art and artists, so I believe her work and the world of Moominvalley are familiar and easily accepted by the Japanese people. I think it's a very natural and wonderful thing that a Moomin park will be born in Japan. We will do our best to recreate the world of the original work so that Japanese fans will be pleased." Yusuke Nishiyama, Vice President of Moomin Story, said, "I'm so happy that we can finally make this announcement."

On the day, the Moomin family members Moomin, Moominpappa, Moominmamma and Little My also made an appearance. There was also a photo session between Moomin fans selected by lottery and the characters. There were also events open to the public, such as an awards ceremony for a picture letter contest, readings, piano performances and talks.