Nagasaki Kunchi：A Multicultural Autumn Festival of Dance and Spirit

When autumn arrives, Nagasaki bursts into a whirlwind of color, sound, and tradition.

Every October, towering dragons weave through the streets, wooden floats sway to the beat of taiko drums, and dancers in dazzling costumes perform routines passed down for centuries. This is Nagasaki Kunchi—a spectacular festival with over 380 years of history, blending Japanese tradition with Chinese and Dutch influences.

In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Nagasaki Kunchi, its unique performances, and the best ways to experience this unforgettable celebration in the heart of Japan’s most multicultural port city.

What Is Nagasaki Kunchi?

Nagasaki Kunchi is the city’s grandest autumn festival, held every year from October 7 to 9 in honor of Suwa Shrine. Dating back to 1634, it has grown into a three-day celebration that fills Nagasaki with energy, color, and international flair.

The festival is famous for its spectacular performances, elaborate floats, and a captivating blend of cultural influences—not only from China, the Netherlands, and Vietnam, but also from Japan’s own traditional celebrations in Kyoto and Sakai. This rich fusion reflects Nagasaki’s unique role as a crossroads of cultures during the era of limited foreign trade.

Recognized as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan and inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, Nagasaki Kunchi stands alongside Hakata Okunchi in Fukuoka and Karatsu Kunchi in Saga as one of Japan’s Three Great Kunchi Festivals—a living expression of both local pride and the nation’s multicultural heritage.

Historical Background – From 17th Century to Today

Origins in the Edo Period (1634–1867)

Nagasaki Kunchi began in 1634 (Kan'ei 11) as a dance dedicated to Suwa Shrine, supported by the Nagasaki magistrates and the shrine’s first head priest from Karatsu. The festival was set for the 7th and 9th days of the 9th lunar month, featuring mikoshi (portable shrine) processions and dance performances.
During the era of national isolation (sakoku), Nagasaki was Japan’s sole international trading port, and the festival absorbed influences from China, the Netherlands, Vietnam.

1654 – Viewing stands built for Dutch residents of Dejima.
1778 – First appearance of the whale parade (Kujira-hiki).
1799 – First performance of Kokko-Dessho, inspired by Sakai’s Taikoyama float.
1846 – “Edo Town Soldiers” parade introduced, featuring imported Dutch-style uniforms.

The Edo period was a time of constant innovation for Nagasaki Kunchi, as new performances and traditions were introduced one after another—shaping the festival’s identity and expanding it into the lively, multi-faceted celebration we know today.

Taisho, Showa, and Post-War Revival (1912–1970s)

World events such as World War I, the Great Kanto Earthquake, and eventually the Second Sino-Japanese War led to repeated cancellations or scaled-down events.
Even in these challenging times, however, the festival continued to be held each year in some form—preserving its traditions and keeping the spirit of Nagasaki Kunchi alive.

After the devastation of World War II, Nagasaki Kunchi made a remarkable return, resuming just two months after the atomic bombing in 1945 as a symbol of the city’s resilience and hope for recovery.
In the decades that followed, the festival steadily regained its full scale, and in 1979 its dances were officially designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan, securing its place as a treasured part of the nation’s cultural heritage.

Modern Era (1980s–Present)

The festival continued to evolve, with some neighborhoods returning after decades away. In 2011, the Kokko-Dessho performance opened its recruitment to the public, attracting applicants nationwide.
From 2020 to 2022, the event was cancelled three years in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic—the longest suspension in its history. It made a full comeback in 2023.

In essence, Nagasaki Kunchi has survived centuries of political change, war, natural disasters, and pandemics—constantly adapting while preserving its rich blend of local and international traditions.

Unique Features of Nagasaki Kunchi

At the heart of Nagasaki Kunchi are the Hōnō Odori (奉納踊り)—elaborate dedication performances offered to Suwa Shrine. The neighborhoods chosen to perform in a given year are known as odocchō (踊り町), each taking its turn once every seven years. In addition, every four years some neighborhoods serve as nenban-machi (年番町), joining the grand mikoshi procession.

When it is their turn, the odocchō proudly lead their performance into the shrine grounds with a **giant ornamental umbrella float (kasaboko), a symbol of their town, before presenting their act before the gods. Each performance reflects both deep tradition and the city’s multicultural history.

Signature Performances

龍踊り (Ja-odori / Dragon Dance)

The most iconic of all Kunchi performances, featuring a massive dragon chasing a sacred ball. The choreography flows from the “Tama-oi” (ball chase) to the “Zugura” (the dragon coiling and searching beneath itself for the ball), then back to the chase. A single dragon performance involves around 80 participants, creating a dynamic and mesmerizing spectacle.

コッコデショ (Kokko-Dessho / Taiko-Yama)

Officially called Taiko-Yama, this act takes its name from the carriers’ chant. The performance includes sequences such as Tobase (charging the float up a slope), Kokko-Dessho (throwing the float into the air and catching it with one hand), Mawase (rotating the float in the center of the performance space), and more. After the second round, the carriers begin to exit, only to return for a third round in response to the crowd’s chant of “Mottekoi!” During the final throw of the third round, they toss their happi coats into the air before ending with a fourth and final round.

鯨の潮吹き (Kujira no Shiofuki / Whale Parade)

Performed only once every seven years, this rare act features floats shaped like whales, small boats, and boathouses—depicting the capture of a whale, its arrival at the harbor, and a celebration of a great catch.

オランダ船 (Oranda-sen / Dutch Ship)

A vivid marine-blue vessel adorned with the Dutch and Japanese flags. On deck, musicians play Western instruments like the bell lyre, drums, and bells, evoking the port’s international past. The ship moves gently in the “calm” (nagi) phase, then shifts dramatically into the “storm” (ōarashi), a thrilling sequence of rapid forward and reverse spins.

阿蘭陀万才 (Oranda Manzai)

A comedic performance featuring two central characters: the Manzai, dressed as a Dutch gentleman in blue, and the Saizō, a clown in yellow or orange. Together with Japanese- and Chinese-style dancers, they perform to Meishin-gaku music using instruments such as the Chinese fiddle (kokyū) and xylophone. The story is said to be inspired by two Dutchmen who drifted ashore in Nagasaki and earned their living performing manzai-style New Year celebrations.

From the booming beats of taiko drums to the graceful sweep of a dragon’s tail, from comedic cross-cultural skits to acrobatic float performances, the unique features of Nagasaki Kunchi create an unforgettable fusion of Japanese tradition and global influences—transforming the city into a stage where history comes vividly alive.

How to Experience Nagasaki Kunchi

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, planning ahead will help you make the most of your Nagasaki Kunchi experience. The festival takes place across multiple venues in the city, each offering a unique perspective on the performances.

Best Viewing Spots

Suwa Shrine – The most traditional and spiritual setting, where the odocchō perform their dedication dances before the shrine’s main hall.
Central Park (Chūō Kōen) – A spacious, open venue ideal for viewing large floats and dynamic performances like the Kokko-Dessho. Special sunakaburi seating—rows of pipe chairs placed close to the performance area—allows spectators to experience the action at an impressively close range.
Niwasaki-mawari – During the festival period, performing neighborhoods visit local businesses, government offices, and private homes in the city center to present their dances in a gesture of goodwill, spreading blessings and festive cheer.

Tickets and Seating

Reserved Seats – Available for major venues, offering guaranteed seating and a clear view of the performances. These often sell out quickly, so advance purchase is recommended.
Free Viewing Areas – Scattered along the parade routes, these spots allow you to enjoy the festival without a ticket, though arriving early is essential to secure a good position.

Photography and Crowd Tips

Arrive Early – Especially for popular acts like the Dragon Dance or Kokko-Dessho, the best spots fill up hours before the performance.
Mind the Flow – Respect crowd control lines and avoid blocking pathways for performers or other spectators.
Camera Settings – Use a fast shutter speed to capture sharp images of moving floats and dancers, or slow it down slightly for dramatic motion blur.

Official Website for Nagasaki Kunchi

For the latest information on schedules, ticket sales, performance details, and maps of the venues, visit the official Nagasaki Kunchi website:
Nagasaki-Kunchi Official Website

The site offers updates in English, making it easy for international visitors to plan their trip and fully enjoy this vibrant festival.

Food and Nearby Attractions

Festival Food Stalls – Try Nagasaki specialties like chanpon noodles, castella sponge cake, and toruko rice (a local fusion dish).
Explore the City – Between performances, visit Glover Garden for panoramic harbor views, stroll through Dejima to see the old Dutch trading post, or wander the historic streets of the Maruyama district.

With a little preparation, you’ll not only see the performances up close, but also soak in the vibrant atmosphere, taste the local flavors, and experience the cultural heartbeat of Nagasaki at its most festive.

Cultural Significance and Local Pride

A Festival That Unites Communities

For the people of Nagasaki, the Kunchi is far more than a three-day event—it is a symbol of community pride and unity. Each participating neighborhood (odocchō) spends months, sometimes years, preparing its performance, from crafting floats and costumes to rehearsing every detail. This teamwork fosters a strong sense of identity across generations.

Boosting the Local Economy

The festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year, filling hotels, restaurants, and shops, and promoting local crafts and specialties. Vendors, artisans, and performers all benefit, while the city gains global visibility as a cultural destination.

A Living Tradition

While its roots reflect Nagasaki’s multicultural past, what truly defines the Kunchi today is the way it brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to create something extraordinary—proving that these traditions are alive, evolving, and ready to be passed on to future generations.

Conclusion – Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

Nagasaki Kunchi offers an experience unlike any other Japanese festival—a vivid, multicultural stage where centuries-old traditions meet the city’s dynamic, international spirit. From the thunder of taiko drums to the sweep of a dragon’s tail, every performance tells a story shaped by Nagasaki’s history as Japan’s gateway to the world.

Visiting the Kunchi is more than just watching a spectacle—it’s a chance to feel the warmth of the people, the pride of each neighborhood, and the rich cultural tapestry that makes this city unique.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan in October, let Nagasaki Kunchi be the highlight of your journey—you’ll leave with memories as colorful and unforgettable as the festival itself.