EHIME –
The deputy mayor of Saijo City in Ehime Prefecture died after being crushed beneath a festival float weighing approximately 3 tons while participating in a traditional autumn festival on October 17.
According to police, Akihiro Nabae, 62, was trapped beneath a taikodai, a large traditional festival float, at around 5:50 p.m. on a riverbank near Iizumi Shrine in Saijo. He was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead approximately one hour later.
At the time of the accident, 11 taikodai floats, each weighing around 3 tons, had gathered for a “kakikurabe,” a traditional competition in which teams of participants lift and carry the massive floats as a highlight of the festival.
Nabae was taking part in the event as one of the float bearers when the accident occurred.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including how Nabae became trapped beneath the heavy structure.
Nabae had only recently taken office as deputy mayor, having assumed the position in July 2026.
Saijo Mayor Mitsuyoshi Ochi expressed shock at the sudden death, saying, “It happened so suddenly that I still cannot believe it. I sincerely pray for his soul to rest in peace.”
Source: FNN