A traditional festival in western Japan ended in tragedy after a giant parade float crushed a local deputy mayor. Akihiro Nabae, deputy mayor of Saijo, died on Saturday after becoming trapped beneath the heavy structure during the annual celebration.
The fatal accident occurred in Ehime region, where Nabae joined other participants carrying a large float. Emergency responders took him to hospital, but he later died from his injuries, according to local reports.
Deputy Mayor Dies During Saijo Festival Parade
Nabae was participating in the annual Saijo festival when the incident occurred. City and police officials confirmed that he had been helping carry one of the festival’s large floats alongside other participants.
However, investigators have yet to establish exactly how the accident happened. Makoto Hagiyama, deputy director of a local police station, said authorities were examining “whether the float fell down or he somehow lost his balance” before the fatal incident.
Local reports indicated that 11 floats stood lined up side by side during the event. They also suggested that as much as three tonnes may have fallen onto Nabae, leaving him trapped beneath the structure.
Nevertheless, officials have not confirmed the precise sequence of events. The investigation continues to determine what caused the deputy mayor to become trapped under the float.
What Makes the Traditional Saijo Festival Special?
The annual Saijo festival is organised by local shrines and features elaborate floats decorated with traditional designs. According to the city’s description, the celebration is a “gorgeous and flashy” affair featuring processions of structures depicting flowers, birds and warriors.
The festival reflects a tradition dating back to Japan’s Edo period, which lasted from 1603 to 1868. Participants hold the annual event to express gratitude to deities for an abundant grain harvest.
Although the celebration remains an important local tradition, this year’s procession ended with a fatal accident. The circumstances surrounding Nabae’s death have placed the incident under police investigation.
Japan Reports Other Fatal Festival Accidents
The deputy mayor’s death came amid reports of other fatal accidents at traditional festivals across Japan. The previous Saturday, two people reportedly died during separate festivals in western Osaka.
Those incidents involved floats that toppled while participants attempted high-speed turns. The accidents occurred at different celebrations, highlighting the dangers associated with moving large structures during crowded traditional events.
Moreover, two additional people reportedly died in February during a crush at Japan’s annual Naked Man Festival. That incident added to concerns surrounding crowd safety at large cultural gatherings.
The circumstances of these incidents differ, and authorities have not established any common cause. Meanwhile, investigators continue examining the events that led to Nabae’s death in Saijo.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over the annual celebration, which honours a longstanding Japanese tradition. For now, the key unanswered question remains how the giant float came down and trapped the deputy mayor beneath it.
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