Annual Events

1) A number of annual events in Kure highlight its port town atmosphere. The Kure Port Fair, held on April 29,makes the most of Kure's naval roots. Folk art and music, singing contests, parades and other performances fitting a port add to the bustling atmosphere of the day. The children's festival, which is held on the same day, is full of juvenile amusements.

2) May 3rd,when the flowers are in full bloom, is when a great man of letters Eiji Yoshikawa is commemorated. People from all works of life write poetry such as haiku or waka for "tea parties" or "poetry reading parties."

3) The dark sky is illuminated by a myriad of rings on the Kure Bay during the Kure Firework Festival held on the sea in early August. The striking charm leaves people amazed, and they forget the summer heat.

4) The Kure Summer Festival is held in mid-August in the cool breeze of the evening. The Saturday Night Fair is another popular folkway during the summer.

5) The Great Festival of Kameyama Shrine, held October9-10,is the oldest festival in Kure's history. It is commonly called the "Crowded Festival," because the crowd is so heavy that if you follow the stream of worshipers, you will automatically pass in front of the deity and complete worship, whether you wanted to or not. One powerful scene is the battle between "Yabus" or demons, and a group of people carrying "Tonbo," a portable shrine that represents the forces of good. The "Yabus" wait in front of the deity and try to prevent the group from reaching it.

6)-7) Some festivals held elsewhere in the city nearly the same times as the Great Festival of Kameyama Shrine include the Crab Festival (Yoshiura Hachiman Shrine),the "Paddle Dance"(Nigata Oohigashi Yaiwabana Shrine),and other unique autumn festivals that are held in their respective local communities.

8) The "Food Festival" held in mid-November has become a favorite autumn event among the citizens in the Kure region.

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