Japanese disaster relief volunteer Hirokazu Tsunoda, widely known as “Chonmage Taichou Tsun.” (Source: Tokyo Volunteer Legacy Network)
Novi, Michigan – September 8, 2025 – Japan Cultural Development (JCD), a Michigan-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting U.S.–Japan friendship through cultural exchange, will host a special lecture and film screening featuring Japanese disaster relief volunteer Hirokazu Tsunoda, widely known as “Chonmage Taichou Tsun.” The event will take place in Novi, Michigan, on Monday, September 8, and will also be available via Zoom at no cost. The event will be conducted entirely in Japanese with no English interpretation.
Mr. Tsunoda, a shoe store owner from Matsudo City in Chiba Prefecture, rose to prominence during the Soccer World Cup for wearing a traditional chonmage wig and handmade samurai armor while supporting Japan’s national team. Building on the attention this unique persona attracted overseas, he began traveling internationally to cheer for Japan. Beyond sports, Mr. Tsunoda has become deeply engaged in volunteer disaster relief activities throughout Japan since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, delivering more than 600 lectures worldwide to share the voices of affected communities.
In his Michigan lecture, Mr. Tsunoda will report on his recent volunteer efforts, including:
- Support activities following the 2020 flooding of the Kuma River in Kumamoto Prefecture
- Accounts of junior high school students who lost homes or family members in the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture
The program will also feature a screening of the 2016 documentary “MARCH.” The film depicts the struggles and resilience of a youth marching band in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, located just 25.3 km from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Despite displacement caused by radiation contamination, the students reignited their passion for music and pursued their dream of competing nationally. The film conveys themes of perseverance and sharing Fukushima’s spirit with the world.
Mr. Tsunoda visit to the United States coincides with Japan’s national soccer team match against the U.S. team in Columbus, Ohio, on September 9.
Lecture & Film Screening in Michigan – Monday, September 8, 2025
Lecture: 10:00 AM, Eastern Time
Film Screening: 11:00 AM, Eastern Time
Venue: Japan Business Society of Detroit Conference Room
42400 Grand River Ave, Suite 202, Novi, MI 48375
The event will be conducted entirely in Japanese with no English interpretation.
Zoom participation registration (Deadline: September 4):
https://members.jbsd.org/portal/event?action=view&eID=ZnuZ
You can also register to receive access to the recorded version after the live event.
Additional In-Person Only Event:
Mr. Tsunoda will also speak at an in-person event (no Zoom):
Sunday, September 7 at 4:00 PM
Novi Civic Center
