Autumn Festival Tradition returned to Nanao City in Ishikawa Prefecture as residents revived the centuries-old Okuma Kabuto Festival on September 20. This cultural event, with over 400 years of history, drew large crowds and renewed a deep local tradition. Previously, the Okuma Kabuto Festival was canceled in 2024 due to severe rainfall in the Noto Peninsula region.
Therefore, this year’s return carried special meaning for residents who value the preservation of this historic celebration. For many locals, the festival is more than a ritual—it represents resilience, pride, and strong community bonds. Held in central Nanao, the festival featured residents proudly carrying large red flags called “wakubata” through the main streets.
Participants marched while chanting “Oisa” in unison, energizing the crowd and filling the area with vibrant sound. Moreover, one of the most dramatic moments came during the traditional “Shimada Kuzushi” performance. In this sequence, participants slowly lowered a 20-meter-long wakubata near the ground with great strength and coordination.
The bold display earned loud applause and marked the emotional climax of the celebration. To ensure success, local leaders and cultural preservation groups collaborated to organize and promote the event. They stressed the importance of continuing the autumn festival tradition by involving younger generations in meaningful roles.
As a result, several students and local youth joined the procession for the first time this year. City officials noted that the festival’s return helped boost both local tourism and community morale. In addition, many nearby businesses reported increased sales and foot traffic during the celebration.
Officials view such traditional events as vital tools for long-term regional revitalization and identity. Furthermore, cultural historians praised the Okuma Kabuto Festival as a rare example of surviving pre-modern community rituals. These festivals help reinforce local culture, especially in rural regions facing depopulation and generational shifts.
Although weather posed a concern again this year, organizers planned carefully and introduced enhanced safety measures. Their thorough preparation allowed the event to proceed smoothly and encouraged wider participation. Looking ahead, organizers plan to expand educational outreach to help sustain the autumn festival tradition. They hope to train new flag bearers, involve more schools, and record the festival’s key practices.
For now, Nanao celebrates the proud revival of its cherished autumn festival tradition, showing how culture continues to endure.ach to sustain the festival. They hope to involve more youth, train new flag bearers, and document festival practices for future generations. For now, Nanao celebrates the successful revival of its cherished autumn festival tradition, showing how culture continues to thrive through shared effort and local pride.
