Hyuga Hyottoko Summer Festival 2024

The “Hyuga Hyottoko Summer Festival” (Hyuga Hyottoko Natsu Matsuri) is a summer festival held in early August every year in Hyuga City, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan.

Overview: The festival originated in the late Meiji period in the Nagata district of Shiomim, Hyuga City, with the creation of the “Nagata Hyottoko Dance” (designated as an intangible folk cultural asset by the city). The festival was initiated to preserve this traditional performing art and promote it nationwide. Since 1984 (Showa 59), the festival has been held annually. The highlight of the festival is the Hyottoko Dance Parade, which takes place in the central downtown area of Hyuga City. Over 2,000 dance enthusiasts from all over the country gather for the parade, creating a vibrant atmosphere with participants dressed in red kimonos. The festival kicks off with a pre-festival event featuring an individual competition of the Hyottoko Dance. The national competition is held in various categories, including the characters “Kitsune” (fox), “Okame,” “Hyottoko,” and the “Kids” division, where dancers compete in their dance skills.

Over the years, the festival has grown in scale, and the number of spectators has exceeded 70,000, making it a representative summer festival in Miyazaki Prefecture. As the festival is organized by citizens, it has contributed to an increase in social interaction and has played a role in regional revitalization. In recognition of these contributions, the festival received the Excellent Award at the 22nd Hometown Event Awards presented by the General Incorporated Foundation Regional Activation Center in 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

Event Summary

Hyuga City, Miyazaki Prefecture

Period

August 3, 2024

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