Full Breakdown
Deputy Mayor Killed in Saijo Festival Float Accident
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 17, Akihiro Nabae, the 62-year-old deputy mayor of Saijo in Ehime Prefecture, was crushed beneath a large festival float during the Saijo Festival. Police reports place the incident at about 5:45 p.m. on a riverbank near Iizumi Shrine. Nabae was among the carriers pulling the float when it toppled, trapping him beneath the structure. He was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead roughly an hour later. No other participants were injured.
Background & Context
The Saijo Festival is a collective name for annual celebrations held at four city shrines. Originating in the Edo period (1603-1867), the event features more than 100 portable structures, including mikoshi (portable shrines) and large wheeled floats known variously as taikodai, daikodai, or “kilns.” A traditional contest called kakikurabe pits teams against each other to demonstrate strength and skill while maneuvering these massive floats around tight corners, a highlight historically linked to prayers for a good autumn harvest.
Data & Statistics
- Float involved: approximately 5.3 metres tall, weighing between 2 and 3 tonnes (sources cite “about 3 tons,” “2-3 tonnes,” and “approximately 3 tons”).
- Number of floats present at the time: 11 floats lined up side-by-side for the kakikurabe competition.
- Recent related fatalities: two men died in separate Danjiri-festival accidents in Osaka Prefecture a week earlier; a separate “naked man” festival in Okayama saw two deaths in February.
- Injuries in those earlier incidents: 16 people injured (Guardian source).
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor Mitsuyoshi Ochi expressed shock and sorrow, noting that the tragedy occurred just as the new administration was being formed. The Saijo Police Station opened an investigation to determine how the float became unbalanced and why Nabae was trapped. Police have not released a definitive cause and are reviewing safety management practices for the festival.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Float terminology: Sources refer to the structure as a “taikodai,” “daikodai,” and in one report as a “kiln.” All describe it as a large, wheeled float used in the festival.
- Weight description: Reported weight ranges from “approximately 3 tons” to “between 2 and 3 tonnes.”
- Exact time: Most outlets cite 5:45 p.m.; one source records 5:50 p.m.
- Investigation details: Police have confirmed an investigation but have not disclosed findings on the float’s stability, crowd control measures, or whether any procedural lapses occurred.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just when we were about to work together to build a new administration for Saijo, this tragedy occurred. I still cannot believe it. I offer my heartfelt condolences,” — Mitsuyoshi Ochi, mayor
Why It Matters
The incident revives longstanding safety concerns surrounding Japan’s traditional festivals, where massive floats are maneuvered by dozens of participants at speed. Recent fatalities in Osaka and Okayama underscore a pattern of crush injuries linked to these events. The death of a sitting deputy mayor highlights the potential risks to public officials who traditionally partake in local cultural activities, prompting calls for stricter safety protocols and possible regulatory review of float construction and handling.
What’s Next
The Saijo Police Station continues its investigation, with no public timeline for conclusions. Festival organizers have not announced any changes to the upcoming events in the season, but local authorities may consider reviewing safety measures for future kakikurabe contests.