Nagasaki Kunchi Festival in Japan is celebrated in Suwa-Jinja Shrine in Kaminishiyama-machi with dragons and tiny ships. During Nagasaki Kunchi Festival, not only is the history of the city reflecting the Chinese influence, upheld but also the sophisticated instinct of fun, joy and zeal.
Nagasaki located in the northwestern part of Kyushu, has remained one of the busiest ports close to the mainland of Asia. Also a capital of Nagasaki Prefecture, it reached out to the world after the atom bomb attack in World War II. One of the most popular festivals and events in Japan, held in Suwa Shrine, has been declared as an important intangible folk asset by the government of Japan. History says that this festival has a history of over 350 years. Features of Nagasaki Kunchi Festival in Japan - This is one of the most awaited autumn festival - Nagasaki Kunchi Festival in Japan is celebrated following the rituals of the solar calendar. - Every year, the traditional dance is performed in rotation by the groups or towns in charge. - Each Odori-cho or the town selected gets the chance to host the dance once in every 7 years. - Hono-Odori is performed in front of City Public Hall which is known as the resting-place for gods. - Floats are decorated like river barges or Chinese boats on wheels. - The floats are brought in gorgeous parades. - The 11 localities participating in the festival, are divided into a section of seven dance groups, each section having special floats and dances. - On the morning of October 7, the floats are brought out and the dance groups showcase their dances - The special dance consists of a dragon, which runs after a golden ball dancing to the tune of traditional Chinese instruments. - The guests, during the dance, ask for an encore and yell Motte koi. - Both the dragon and the dancers are decked with traditional Chinese taste, reflecting Chinese influence through trade during the Edo period. - The mystery and attraction of the festival is in the fact that the peculiarity of each of the group can be explored over a span of seven years. - You can take your seats near the central stage or even stand on the stone steps leading to the shrine to watch the festival. Season to visit Nagasaki Kunchi Festival in Japan Nagasaki Kunchi Festival in Japan is celebrated from 7 to 9 October.
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