# Traditional Japanese cultural festivals

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/traditional-japanese-cultural-festivals
> Updated: 2026-09-18T20:50:34.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Various traditional Japanese festivals have been documented across different regions. In Hachinohe, the Hachinohe Sansha Taisai festival features the ‘Okari’ procession, where portable shrines return to their original locations following the ‘Otori’ procession. This 300-year-old event includes Shinto rituals, grand floats, and performances such as the ‘Toramai’ tiger dance, intended to pray for maritime safety and fire prevention.

In Tarama Village, Okinawa, the Hachigatsu Odori festival has commenced at the thentaba-ru shrine. This nationally designated intangible folk cultural property involves local residents performing various acts, including Kumiodori. The festival historically serves as a celebration for the completion of Ryukyu Kingdom head taxes and as a prayer for bountiful harvests.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-18: Tarama Village begins Hachigatsu Odori traditional dance festival

The Hachigatsu Odori festival has begun in Tarama Village, Okinawa, featuring 80 residents performing 27 traditional dance acts to pray for a bountiful harvest.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tarama-village-begins-hachigatsu-odori-traditional-dance-festival

### 2026-09-06: Hachinohe Sansha Taisai festival features Okari procession and traditional performances

The Hachinohe Sansha Taisai festival features the ‘Okari’ procession on August 3, showcasing traditional Shinto rituals, grand floats, and acrobatic tiger dances in Aomori, Japan.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hachinohe-sansha-taisai-festival-features-okari-procession-and-traditional-performances

---
Cite as: Traditional Japanese cultural festivals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/traditional-japanese-cultural-festivals