Miyazaki fans visit local sites despite Hinata Fest 2026 cancellation

The Hinata Fest 2026, a major event featuring the idol group Hinatazaka46, was canceled due to bad weather and impacts on public transportation. Despite the cancellation, many fans, known as ‘Ohisama,’ traveled to Miyazaki Prefecture to participate in related activities.

In Miyazaki City, local restaurants offered collaboration menus to welcome fans, and many visitors engaged in ‘holy land pilgrimages’ to locations associated with the group. This behavior highlights a shift in regional tourism, where fans visit specific locations to connect with the group's history rather than just attending a single concert.

While the cancellation caused economic setbacks, such as hotel cancellations in Miyazaki City, the event's history demonstrates the potential of ‘fan activity’ (oshikatsu) for regional revitalization. In 2024, a similar festival generated an estimated economic impact of 43.3 billion yen for the Kyushu region, with 32.7 billion yen staying within Miyazaki Prefecture.