Wasshoi Hyakuman Summer Festival

The Wasshoi Hyakuman Summer Festival, one of Kitakyushu’s signature summer events, will be held in September 2025! Originating as the “Matsuri Kitakyushu” in 1973, it was rebranded in 1988 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Kitakyushu’s municipal incorporation. Since then, it has grown into a festival where citizens come together as one, attracting over 1.5 million visitors each year.

Highlights include the “Kodomo Yume Stage”, where local children showcase choir and dance performances, and the “Summer Festival Grand Gathering,” featuring powerful yamakasa floats and parade floats from all seven wards of the city. Notably, the Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa returns for the first time in two years, and the Nagahama Kifune Shrine Mikoshi makes its comeback after six years.
The Wasshoi Parade introduces a new initiative this year: a citizen vote, with the top group awarded the “Future-Making Citizen Prize.” The famous “Hyakuman Odori” will once again see thousands of dancers fill Komonji Dori Street in a spectacular two-part performance. Individual applications to participate are open until Sunday, September 14, 2025.
Festival-goers can also look forward to local gourmet food stalls and kitchen cars offering Kitakyushu specialties. The grand finale features a special live concert by Little Glee Monster followed by a dazzling fireworks display, closing the festival in style!