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The 2026 Akasaki Festival Was Held

The 2026 Akasaki Festival Was Held

Last updated:

Sep 16, 2026
About the writer:

Nagato Tourism Convention Association

A traditional festival continuing for 400 years in the Higashi-Fukawa district of Nagato City

On Sunday, September 13, 2026, the Akasaki Festival was held at Akasaki Shrine in the Higashi-Fukawa district. This is a traditional festival that has been passed down by local residents for over 400 years to pray for a bountiful harvest.

Stalls around the venue

Food stalls lined the area around the venue, showing great bustle despite the rain.

Kabuki performance: "Shomaichi-shiki Sanbaso"

The kabuki dance "Shomaichi-shiki Sanbaso" was performed on the stage at the Akasakiyama Ground.

Traditional performing arts (Gaku-odori and Yumoto Nanjo-odori) presented at the Fukawa Elementary School gymnasium

The "Gaku-odori (Toranoko-watashi and Tsukinomae-no-Reigaku)," a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, and the "Yumoto Nanjo-odori," a Yamaguchi Prefecture-designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property, were originally scheduled to be performed at the Akasaki Shrine Gaku-sajiki (tiered spectator seating). However, due to rain, the venue was changed to the Fukawa Elementary School gymnasium for the dedication.

Although it was held indoors, the gathered audience gave a large round of applause to the dancers for their magnificent and enthusiastic performances.

"Toranoko-watashi" (The Tiger Cub Crossing)

Yumoto Nanjo Odori

"Melodrama before the Moon"

The rain finally stopped at the end of the festival, and a traditional rice cake toss (mochimaki) was held at the Akasakiyama Ground.

Despite the venue changes due to the unfortunate rain, the series of passionate performances that seemed to blow away the bad weather vividly conveyed the 400-year tradition of the Akasaki Festival and the excitement of the day.

Next year, we look forward to seeing these majestic performances at their original stage, the Akasaki Shrine Gaku-sajiki, to pray for a bountiful harvest.