Renryu Festival and Its Story

In 1956, "Minato Festival" started as a memorial for Minamata Bay being certified as a significant harbor. Later, people add stories to the festival to make it sounds more romantic. The story starts that the ocean's Dragon God, which protects the safety for sailing and fishing, and the mountain's Dragon God, which protects the growth of the crops, meet once a year at the river in Minamata by riding the float. Thus, Minamata people celebrate this by having a festival. Renryu Festival embraces people's feeling of being thankful to the water. It is also for praying for everyone's health, growth of the crops, fishing, safety for sailing, and the revitalization of industry and tourism.

Now, Renryu Festival is the biggest summer festival in Minamata. Every year, people are excited about the festival, and many people participate. The climaxes of the festival are the "Children's Parade" during the day, and the "Citizen's Dance" in the evening. During the day, the street is crowded and busy with all the performances, dance, and omikoshi (people lifting a small shrine as an action of respect to the God). Of course, you are welcome to watch or join in the citizen's dance with us!