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Danjiri Festival Deaths Spark Safety Fears
19 Oct
Summary
- Two recent fatalities occurred during autumn danjiri festivals.
- Ornate wooden floats weighing several tons toppled over.
- Community leaders, not police, determine festival safety rules.
The centuries-old danjiri festival in Japan is facing increased anxiety following recent fatalities and accidents. This autumn ritual involves hundreds of participants pulling large, ornate wooden floats resembling shrines down streets.
Tragically, two individuals lost their lives and several others were injured on October 10. These incidents occurred in Izumiotsu and Izumisano, cities within Osaka prefecture, when the multi-ton floats overturned while navigating sharp corners. The fallen floats then crushed participants standing nearby.
Danjiri performances are steeped in religious tradition, leading to a system where community leaders, not law enforcement, are responsible for establishing rules and safety measures. While local police are investigating the exact circumstances of the recent deaths, most organizers have not altered the challenging sharp turns or advocated for slower procession speeds.
Common injuries such as heatstroke, falls, and fractures are typically seen annually, according to Katsunori Fujita, a chairman of the liaison council in Izumiotsu. He acknowledged that while precautions are enforced, his district is unlikely to modify the established rules, and police intervention in the Shinto religious rite remains improbable.
