Japan is facing renewed scrutiny over the safety of its traditional festivals following the death of a senior local official. Akihiro Nabae, the deputy mayor of Saijo in western Japan, died on Saturday after becoming trapped beneath a giant float during a local celebration. His death comes less than two weeks after two other men were killed in similar accidents at festivals in southern Osaka.
Saijo Festival Tragedy
Nabae, 62, was participating in the annual Saijo festival when the incident occurred. According to Agence France-Presse, he was helping to carry the massive structure when it toppled or he lost his balance, resulting in him being crushed underneath. He was rushed to a hospital but was later pronounced dead. Local reports confirm that no other participants were injured in the accident.
The festival in Saijo has been held annually since the Edo period, which lasted from 1603 to 1868. The event is designed to thank Shinto deities for abundant grain crops. Media reports indicated that 11 floats, each weighing up to three tonnes, were lined up side by side at the time of the accident. Police in Saijo stated that it remains unclear whether the float fell onto Nabae or if he fell under it.
Mitsuyoshi Ochi, the mayor of Saijo, expressed deep shock and sadness over the loss. In a statement, he noted the timing of the tragedy, saying, “Just when we were about to work together to build a new administration for Saijo, this tragedy occurred. I still can’t believe it. I offer my heartfelt condolences.”
Recent Deaths in Osaka
The incident in Saijo follows a series of fatal accidents at the Danjiri festivals in Osaka prefecture. In late September, a 51-year-old man was crushed beneath a wooden float he was riding. On the same day, a 48-year-old man died in a similar accident at a Danjiri event in a nearby town. Police reported that 16 people were injured across these two incidents.
These accidents highlight the inherent dangers of the yarimawashi turns, which are a central feature of the Danjiri festivals. During these maneuvers, hundreds of men pull the floats, which can weigh up to four tonnes, at high speed around tight corners. The turns are a highlight of the events, which originated as prayers for good autumn harvests.
These fatalities are part of a broader pattern of accidents at Japanese traditional festivals this year. In February, two people died in a crush at the “naked man festival” in Okayama. The event draws up to 10,000 men dressed in fundoshi loincloths who compete to seize sacred wooden sticks thrown into the crowd by a head priest. Those who succeed are declared “lucky men” for the year.
As authorities investigate the specific causes of the Saijo accident, the recurring nature of these tragedies has intensified calls for better safety measures at large-scale traditional events. The combination of heavy wooden structures, high speeds, and large crowds continues to pose significant risks to participants and spectators alike.
Source: The Guardian
