Nakasu Festival is a festival held every year on October 25th and 26th in Nakasu, Hakata. This festival, which began with the aim of revitalizing the local area, has changed shape despite being buffeted by the waves of the times, and still livens up Fukuoka nights today. Nakasu Festival continues to move forward while inheriting its history as a source of pride for the local area. We explored the appeal of this festival, which continues to be loved by the local community.

The background and history of the birth of the Nakasu Festival

The history of Nakasu Festival dates back to the oil crisis of 1976. The festival was created by neighborhood association leaders to incorporate local culture in an effort to bring vitality back to the area, and it is said to have been modeled on the Susukino Festival in Hokkaido. Originally held over three consecutive days, it was a lively event, attracting not only local residents but also many tourists from afar. Over its long history, it has since been passed down as a festival symbolizing the revival of the local economy.

Since then, the Nakasu Festival has undergone changes as times have changed. "The festival was started as a way of giving thanks, but nine years ago we considered ceasing the festival," says Higuchi Takashi, public relations officer for the Nakasu Festival Executive Committee. The Nakasu Festival is run by volunteers, and each event requires around 100 people. In addition, an event called Nakasu JAZZ is held a few weeks before the Nakasu Festival, with the cooperation of the local community, in a short preparation period. "We've managed to continue the festival by coming up with creative ideas, such as changing the dates and shortening it to two days, so as not to let it die out," says Higuchi.

The difficulty of keeping the festival going

Currently, the Nakasu Festival is supported by local neighborhood associations and volunteers. "The festival is mainly run through sponsorship money and donations from the racecourse, but since the impact of COVID-19, a decrease in funding has become a major issue. Furthermore, the decline in young people's participation is also a serious issue for the continuation of the festival."

Recently, with the increase in foreign tourists, the festival's management system is sometimes unable to cope with the situation. The current situation is that they are unable to provide sufficient support to foreign tourists, as they are unable to keep up with the information provided in English and other languages.

The organizers' thoughts on the Nakasu Festival

Despite facing various problems, this festival has been supported by the efforts of the organizers and the on-site staff, and it still has its charm. In particular, the female shrine parade and stage events continue to attract visitors as popular programs every year.

"On the night before the festival, a bar hopping event is held, where you can visit three bars in two hours. It's a great opportunity for people who normally can't come to Nakasu to drink to join in. The mikoshi are popular with participants and spectators alike, and the sight of a total of 120 women carrying the two mikoshi brightens up Nakasu. The wagons lining the main street are also unique to this festival, and it's an event that many fans look forward to."

Exploring new possibilities for the future

"Nakasu Festival will continue to be held on a smaller scale, while preserving its traditions and adding new added value. We would like to consider ways to make the festival more attractive to tourists, such as deepening ties with local restaurants and offering special discount services during the festival."


"At the currently popular stage event, the 'Diva Discovery Project,' the winner even made her debut as a singer. In the future, we would like to add new participatory events and programs for children, so that a wider range of generations can participate," says Higuchi with a smile as he talks about his future prospects. "Coupons exclusive to the 'Nakasu Festival' are also being distributed, so this is a great opportunity to enjoy Nakasu at a discount. We hope that those who don't usually have a chance to stop by will feel free to come and visit."

Throughout its long history, the Nakasu Festival has energized the local area and supported its people. Higuchi and the other organizers of the festival are making every effort to protect and develop the festival. Nakasu Festival will continue to take on new challenges in order to connect the local traditions to the future.

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Nakasu Town Association and Nakasu Festival Executive Committee
Address: 2F Shogetsudo Building, 5-1-22 Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City
Access: The event will be held around Nakasu Boulevard, a one-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station
(Near HOTEL RESOL TRINITY HAKATA)
HP: https://www.nakasumatsuri.com/
*For more information about the event, please see the link above.