Smile Pet Festa in Sone Hillside Park held 2026

Sone Hillside Park in Yamanashi Prefecture (Location: Shimomukaiyama-cho, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture) will hold the "Smile Pet Festa in Sone Hillside Park 2026," a two-day event on March 20 (Friday, national holiday) and 21 (Saturday), 2026, with the theme of coexistence, health and education for people and animals.

This event is a public service event with free admission, where people of all ages, from children to the elderly, as well as pet owners and those who are considering living with animals, can enjoy and learn from this event.

The 1st Smile Pet Festa in Sone Hillside Park 2026 March 20-21

Event details: https://smilepetfesta.com/

Background of "Smile Pet Festa in Sone Hillside Park 2026

In recent years, various studies and practices have shown that the "human-animal bond," such as trust and attachment that is created when people and animals are involved, has a positive impact on people's physical and mental health and quality of life (QOL).

On the other hand, due to the declining birthrate, aging population, and changing lifestyles, an increasing number of people feel uneasy about living with pets and have few opportunities to interact with animals themselves.

In addition, human health, animal health, and environmental health are deeply interrelated, and the "One Health" perspective, which considers them all as one, is becoming increasingly important to society as a whole.

In light of this background, this event will be held under the auspices of related organizations with the aim of providing an opportunity to realize and learn the value of the relationship between people and animals. The event aims to be open to the community, not only for those who currently live with pets, but also for those who are considering living with animals, and for everyone from children to the elderly, so that they can think about "life," "health," and "symbiosis" while having fun.

About "Smile Pet Festa in Sone Hillside Park 2026

Smile Pet Festa is a hands-on event that takes the human-animal bond (human-animal bond) as its starting point to think about how society should be where people, animals, and the environment can live together in a healthy and prosperous manner.

The following five areas and stage programs will be held at the venue.

1) One Health Area

This is an area where visitors can consult and experience daily health management and preventive care, including health consultations and body fat measurements by veterinarians and other experts, supplements, oral care, and dog massage.

Visitors can learn through hands-on experience with their pets that the health of pets is also connected to the health of their owners.

2) Activity Area

This is an area where visitors can experience how to interact with animals, the importance of life, and the sense of security and trust that comes from the relationship between people and animals, through dog sports demonstrations and hands-on programs by experts and students, an animal petting area, a flying dog photo studio, and more.

3) Marche Area

In addition to pet food, treats, care products, and small animal products, this is an area where visitors can enjoy shopping for a wide range of products and experiences, such as booths proposing living environments, aquarium living, and plant workshops.

4) Kitchen Car Area

Kitchen cars from Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Kanagawa, Saitama, and other regions will set up stalls. They will offer food that can be enjoyed while enjoying the event. There will also be a kitchen car with a menu for dogs, so you can take a break with your pets in this area.

5) Stage Program

Through lectures and talks by veterinarians and other experts, this stage program provides an opportunity to learn about the health and lifestyle of pets and how to deal with animals, as well as the learning and physical and mental benefits of animal-people relationships.

The event will feature a variety of stages with several veterinarians and experts, among which the following lectures will be held as special seminars.

Special Seminars (excerpts)

March 20 (Friday, national holiday)

Akiko Shibanai, Veterinarian

(Director, Akasaka Veterinary Hospital Companion Animal Medical Center / Part-time Lecturer, Nihon University)

Lecture Title

The Bond Between Humans and Animals, One Health One Welfare, From the Field of Animal Therapy

March 21 (Saturday)

Veterinarian Dr. Takanori Sato

　Veterinarian Takanori Sato (General Director, Hugwell Animal Hospital)

Lecture Title

Extending the Healthy Life Span of Dogs and Cats

Veterinarian Dr. Saya Negoro

　(Representative of anisafe Co., Ltd.)

Lecture Title

A veterinarian of psychosomatic medicine and behavioral medicine for dogs and cats will teach the truth about separation anxiety.

～Let's change anxiety into peace of mind and laugh together.

There will be other lectures and talks by experts as well. The latest information will be posted on the official website as it becomes available.

This event aims to provide an opportunity for those who live with pets to feel the connection between people and animals once again, and for those who do not currently live with pets, it will be a gateway to understanding the appeal and meaning of living with animals.

Outline of the Event

Event name: Smile Pet Festa in Sone Hillside Park 2026

Date ： March 20 (Fri., holiday) - March 21 (Sat.), 2026, 10:00 - 16:00 (both days)

Venue: Sone Hillside Park, Yamanashi, Japan

　　　　　　 (1271 Shimomukaiyama-cho, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, 400-1507)

Access : 5 minutes from Kofu Minami IC on Chuo Expressway

Admission: Free

Sponsor ： Sone Hillside Park, Yamanashi Prefecture Designated Manager：Fuji Kanko Kaihatsu, Fuji Green Tech Group

　　　　　　 Fuji Green Tech Group

Co-sponsor : Japan Pet Communications Co.

Supporters ： Yamanashi Prefecture, Pet Food Association of Japan,

　　　　　　 Japan Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Yakult Honsha Co.

Sponsor ： NIPPON GAS CO.

Special Cooperation ： Japan Animal Pick Committee

Attendance target: Approx. 5,000 people in total for 2 days

Official website: https://smilepetfesta.com/

For inquiries from customers regarding this event, please contact

Japan Pet Communications Co.

Contact: Smile Pet Festa Secretariat

TEL: 03-6411-0011