Originally conceived in 1956 as an April Fool’s festival (“Baka” is the Japanese word for fool or idiot) the festival now happens closer to May 1 and isn’t all monkey business.
It’s Akabane‘s biggest festival of the year with attendance estimated at 400,000 people.
What happens?
Most of the entertainment is fairly conventional, with troupes from all the popular summer dance forms taking part — from samba to yosakoi to awa-odori. The fool part involves some participants dressing in comedic costumes.
Schedule 2023
This year will only be held for two hours, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
