Safety concerns mount over Japan’s traditional festivals after string of fatal accidents
Summary
A senior official in Saijo, Japan, died after being crushed by a heavy festival float. This happened just days after two other men died in similar float accidents during traditional Danjiri festivals in another region of Japan.Key Facts
- Akihiro Nabae, deputy mayor of Saijo, was crushed under a giant festival float weighing up to 4 tonnes and died after the accident.
- Two other men died the same day in Danjiri festival accidents in Osaka prefecture.
- The floats are moved quickly around tight corners by many men, using a technique called yarimawashi.
- These festivals involve large, heavy floats and are held to pray for good harvests and thank Shinto deities.
- Police reported 16 people were injured in the recent Danjiri float accidents.
- The Saijo festival has been held every year since the Edo period (1603-1868).
- Earlier in February, two people died in a different crowded traditional festival called the “naked man festival” in Okayama.
- Local leaders expressed shock and sadness over the recent fatal accidents.
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