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 and a parade.
Schedule 2024
The costume parade will take place on April 28 at around 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. You can sign up on the official website.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
