Summer Festival Parade

The parade is a highlight of summer festivals in Japan, and the parade in Nakashibetsu took place on Saturday August 8 at 2pm. I won't write a description but let the photos speak for themselves. Summer days in Nakashibetsu can be warm but the weather on this day was cool and breezy, a perfect day for the parade.

A shrine is carried, mainly by large, heavyset men, at the start of the parade.

Children carry a small shrine behind the large one.


Drummers are found throughout the parade, usually on trucks.


Both men and women, usually middle-aged, take part in this slow, gently-stepping dance.





These costumes are brighter.







This is an amusing sight. Middle aged ladies dressed in colorful dresses. Some were slightly hunched.

Some elderly residents had been brought from a nursing home to watch the parade. They may have taken part in the parade when they were younger.


Parade staff. Only in English, which few locals can read. Wonder why?

More youthful and vigorous participants from nearby towns. They drew the most applause.

Children from local schools.

Youth from nearby towns.

Primary school children.

Because the parade moves slowly, it takes about an hour to pass. I enjoyed every minute.