Aug 3, 2026
Summer Festival Changes - Yay or Nay?
Earlier I wrote about how my neighborhood's "summer" festival has been moved to autumn. I also wrote a separate post about a summer festival in Kasukabe that has been moved indoors. I know there is a bittersweetness about these changes, but some would argue that something needs to change in the face of rising temperatures. So, I am curious, what would you vote for: 1) Leaving Summer Festivals exactly as they are - same date, same set up etc. 2) Shifting the time of day the festival is on, say for example, from afternoon until after dark 3) Moving the festival from summer to another season or at least to earlier in summer, such as June 4) Moving summer festivals indoors - not really possible for the larger festivals especially those with large floats etc. but maybe they could shift some elements indoors
Irish, Mom of 4, currently also living beside the In-Laws. 25+ years back and forth between Ireland and Japan! I also write on my personal website: insaitama.com
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on Aug 4
I think it's a tough one for festival organizers to consider but I definitely think it's going to have to be done for some events. It just becomes too dangerous to be out for long stretches in the full heat of the day, especially for young kiddos and the elderly. I think moving them is probably my preferred option, to still have the "daytime festival" atmosphere but not be absolutely sweltering. The problem then is if you move them back you run up against the risk of rainy season, or push them forward and you're in peak typhoon season. Maybe the most logical is doing more evening festivals but keeping the dates the same. I like the atmospheric feel of evening events!
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on Aug 5
One more option, delaying matsuri until September, is starting to happen. Kashiwa Matsuri in Chiba Prefecture moved from late July to late September. The festival has adapted with the times - earlier start due to electric power issues, and the Nebuta floats discontinued because of budget concerns.
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on Aug 21
@genkidesu since writing the article and asking this question, I've come across several other festivals that have been moved to either September or October. It seems, at the moment, moving their date is the most popular option.
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on Aug 21
@TonetoEdo September seems to be a popular option, I just hope the temperatures are actually cooler!
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on Aug 23
@BigfamJapan I think you're right, it's hard to know whether or not September will be much better. The summer temps seem to stretch on for longer and longer each year!
5 Answers