The Fukagawa Myoken Minato Festival “Minato-ma 2026” Was Held (May 4)

An Event for the Whole Family to Enjoy All Day Long

Today (May 4), the Fukagawa Myoken Minato Festival "Minato-ma 2026" was held.
At the main venue, the Minato Fishing Village Center, local restaurants and food trucks lined up, and the customary "Nagato Sumo Minato Basho" was held at a specially constructed sumo ring. The venue was filled with great excitement, featuring the "Wanpaku Sumo Nagato Basho," where children competed in earnest, and the "Onnajiri Sumo" (women's hip-pushing sumo) in the afternoon.

The highlight of the event was the "Mochimaki" (rice cake tossing), an activity that Yamaguchi residents are passionate about. It was a day packed with content that remained vibrant until the very end.

In this article, we will share the atmosphere of the event through photographs.

Event

A long line formed even before the start of the "Garapon Lottery," limited to the first 100 people for a chance to win Shirasu-don (whitebait bowls) and other prizes. This was held as a viewer gift project for the yab Yamaguchi Asahi Broadcasting program "YOU! Doki," which aired on Friday, May 1.

First, a sumo workshop was held at the ring. Children were seen enjoying and becoming familiar with sumo culture by performing shiko (leg stomps) and learning the basic rules.

After learning the basics at the sumo workshop, the "Wanpaku Sumo Nagato Basho" finally began. The children's serious expressions and spirited matches drew plenty of cheers and applause from the spectators.

At the same time, the food and beverage booths began their sales. The venue quickly became crowded with many visitors seeking their favorite gourmet treats.

As an event-exclusive project, the "One-Coin Shirasu-don (500 yen)" appeared, featuring a generous serving of shirasu (whitebait) landed at the Minato Fishing Cooperative.
Many visitors lined up in search of this seasonal flavor.

Additionally, a furniture flea market called "Kagu-ma" was held simultaneously at a separate venue. Many people visited in search of hidden gems.

In the afternoon, the highly anticipated "Onnajiri Sumo" finally began at the special sumo ring.

From yab Yamaguchi Asahi Broadcasting's "YOU! Doki," main caster Mutsumi Miyahara appeared for her second consecutive year, joined by culinary researcher Rieko Yamase.

(Left) Announcer Mutsumi Miyahara; (Right) Culinary researcher Rieko Yamase

Furthermore, from the Yamaguchi Cable Vision (C-able) program "Zettai Outdoor Sengen x Asobita Girl," a team featuring Asobita Girl No. 1 Risa Ota and No. 2 Nozomi Kaneto also participated.

The "Zettai Outdoor Sengen x Asobita Girl" team. (Fourth from left) Asobita Girl No. 1 Risa Ota; (First from left) Asobita Girl No. 2 Nozomi Kaneto

Every match was intense, and the excitement reached its peak as victory poses were seen one after another.

The final match was also heated! The powerful battle drew loud cheers from the audience.

At the awards ceremony, the winners were presented with rice produced in Nagato City.

The event concluded with the "Mochimaki," an activity that generates great enthusiasm among Yamaguchi residents.

While this event was originally scheduled to be held at the Minato Fishing Cooperative Fish Market, it was moved to a different venue this year due to unfortunate strong winds.
However, the change in venue did not dampen the enthusiasm, and the atmosphere remained incredibly lively!
We look forward to sharing another vibrant moment with everyone again next year.

Related Links

・"Minato District Community Development Council" Official Page

Official Instagram of the Minato District Community Development Council "Nami to Minatogumi