Japan Deputy Mayor Akihiro Nabae Crushed To Death Under Giant Festival Float

A deputy mayor in western Japan has died after being crushed beneath a giant festival float during a local parade, raising fresh concerns over safety at the country’s traditional celebrations.

Akihiro Nabae, deputy mayor of Saijo in Ehime Prefecture, was taking part in Saturday’s festival when he became trapped beneath the massive structure, according to city and police officials.

He was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries, local media reported.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether the float toppled over or Nabae lost his balance while helping to carry it, Makoto Hagiyama, deputy director of a local police station, told AFP.

Local media reports indicated that 11 floats had been positioned side by side, with the weight bearing down on Nabae estimated to have reached as much as three tonnes.

The annual Saijo Festival, organised by local shrines, is renowned for its elaborate procession of giant floats decorated with intricate designs depicting flowers, birds and warriors.

The centuries-old tradition dates back to Japan’s Edo period, which lasted from 1603 to 1868, and is held to give thanks to deities for a bountiful harvest.

Nabae’s death comes amid a series of fatal incidents at traditional festivals across Japan. Two people reportedly died the previous Saturday at separate festivals in western Osaka after floats overturned during high-speed turns.

In another tragedy, two people reportedly died in February following a crowd crush at Japan’s annual Naked Man Festival.