Japanese Deputy Mayor Dies in Festival Accident After Being Crushed by 3-Ton Float

A deputy mayor in western Japan has died after being crushed beneath a heavy festival float while taking part in a traditional autumn celebration. Akihiro Nabae, 62, deputy mayor of Saijo City in Ehime Prefecture, was fatally injured during the Saijo Festival on October 17. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Fatal Accident During a Traditional Festival

According to Japanese media reports, the accident occurred at around 5:45 to 5:50 p.m. near the grounds of Iizumi Shrine in Saijo, where participants had gathered for a traditional festival performance.

Nabae was taking part in an activity involving large ceremonial structures known as taikodai. During the event, he became trapped beneath one of the structures.

Police officers on security duty discovered the incident and rescue efforts followed. Nabae was taken to hospital, but his death was confirmed approximately one hour later.

Authorities are investigating the precise sequence of events, including how the float became unstable and whether any other factors contributed to the accident.

Float Weighed About Three Tons

Reports indicate that the taikodai involved in the incident stood approximately 5.5 meters tall and weighed around three tons. Eleven such structures had gathered near the shrine for a highlight of the festival known as kakikurabe, in which teams carry and maneuver the floats.

The Saijo Festival is a long-established autumn celebration with roots stretching back several centuries. It features traditional processions and ceremonial floats, reflecting local customs, community identity and expressions of gratitude for a good harvest.

However, the considerable weight of these structures can make coordinated lifting and movement hazardous. If a float loses its balance or its weight shifts unexpectedly, participants nearby may face serious danger.

Deputy Mayor Had Taken Office in July

Nabae had only recently become deputy mayor, taking office in July this year, according to local media reports. His death has shocked municipal officials and the wider community.

Saijo Mayor Mitsuyoshi Ochi expressed disbelief at the sudden loss of a valued colleague and offered condolences to Nabae and his family.

Investigation Underway as Safety Concerns Return

Police are continuing to examine the details of the accident. The precise cause and any potential responsibility have not yet been established, and further conclusions will depend on the investigation.

Traditional festivals remain an important part of community life across Japan. Some involve heavy floats, portable shrines and large groups of participants working together in confined spaces. Preserving these traditions while protecting participants requires careful attention to equipment stability, positioning, coordination and emergency response.

The tragedy in Saijo has taken the life of a local government official and renewed attention to safety at traditional events. The challenge for organizers is to preserve the cultural significance of these celebrations while reducing the risks faced by those who take part.