Firefly Festival and Firefly Viewing in Misumiage District

Last updated:

Jun 13, 2019
About the writer:

Nagato Tourism Convention Association

Misumiage District Firefly Festival

On Saturday, June 8, a firefly festival was held simultaneously in three locations in the Shibuki, Tawarayama, and Misumiage areas of Nagato City.

The "Misumigami District Firefly Festival," which was held a week earlier than the other two districts in previous years, was held on this day because the peak season for firefly viewing has changed. In this issue, we report from the event site in the Misumiage district where the Firefly Festival was held.

The opening ceremony was performed by Misumi Seifu Taiko

At 6 p.m., when the lanterns were lit, the Misumi Seifu Taiko drummers appeared on stage.

The venue is filled with powerful sounds and is lined with stalls set up by members of the community.

Visitors listened to the synchronized performance while savoring yakitori, yakisoba, and other familiar dishes.

Firefly basket making challenge

The parking lot in front of the Souzu Cultural Center where the event was held.

Near the entrance of the center, panels introducing the ecology of fireflies were displayed, and children gathered in front of them.

Here is a corner where visitors can enjoy making "firefly baskets" while learning from local residents.

The straw is carefully woven into a three-dimensional basket.

The name "firefly basket" comes from the fact that fireflies were once enjoyed in these baskets. There are many different types of weaving techniques, from simple ones like this one to beautiful spiral weaves.