MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The 32nd Kintai Festival is scheduled to take place April 29 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on the Japanese national holiday, Showa Day, and will be held in the Kintai Bridge area.
The festival draws more than 40,000 visitors every year and is one of the major sightseeing events here.
“Iwakuni was a castle town in the Edo Period. I think many children that were even raised in Iwakuni have been to the Kintai Bridge not knowing how it was hundreds of years ago,” said Ryoji Yoneshige, the bureau chief for the Iwakuni Tourism Assosiation. “I hope the event will promote the recognition of the old history of Iwakuni.”
Main attractions include The Daimyo Procession, photo opportunity with kimono parade performers, a traditional Japanese samurai’s gunfire demonstration, a traditional Japanese Taiko Drum performance, and local food vendors.
The Daimyo Procession is a traditional kimono parade and also a reproduction of the parade of the Iwakuni Castle Lord during the Edo period. The parade across the Kintai Bridge begins at 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.
For the very first time in festival history, photo opportunities with the kimono parade performers will be provided at the Kikko Park 2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Tourists, spectators and fans of Japanese traditional costumes are strongly encouraged to enjoy this opportunity.
Teppo-tai, a traditional Japanese samurai gunfire demonstration, will be performing from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the riverbank next to the bridge.
A traditional Japanese Taiko Drum performance will also be held at the riverbank from 2 p.m. - 2:30 P.m.
“There will be many booths for local foods and productions,” said Yoneshige. “If you have never tried Iwakuni sushi before, it will be the time to give it a try.
The local food booths, available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will also include a Japanese tea ceremony booth.
“I hope the base personnel enjoy the atmosphere of the historical pageant here,” said Yoneshige, “I believe it is important for us to offer an opportunity to experience Japanese culture for the base personnel in order to promote mutual understanding.”