Kumamoto Lantern Festival cancelled, Tokyo Kumano Festival scheduled in September

The 2026 Yamaga Lantern Festival in Kumamoto has been largely cancelled after the region’s 2026 Kumamoto earthquake. Organisers said only shrine rites will be held, while fireworks, lantern dances and other attractions have been called off with no rescheduling. Ticket refunds for the cancelled lantern dance will be announced later.

In Tokyo’s Katsushika Ward, the “Ureshii, Tanoshii, Arigatai! Kumano Festival” will run from 16‑26 September. The event features a food‑stall fair, pet‑visiting ceremony, fortune‑telling sessions, karaoke contests, traditional dances and other free activities for families and children.