A deputy mayor in western Japan died after being crushed beneath a giant float during a local festival parade, raising renewed concerns about safety at traditional Japanese events. Akihiro Nabae, 62, the deputy mayor of Saijo city in Ehime Prefecture, was participating in the annual Saijo festival on Saturday when the incident occurred. He was trapped under one of the large floats and later pronounced dead at a hospital, officials confirmed.

The exact circumstances leading to Nabae’s death remain under investigation. Authorities have not yet clarified whether the float fell on him or if he lost his balance while carrying the structure. Reports indicate that as many as 11 floats, each weighing up to three tonnes, were lined up during the procession at the time of the accident.

Nabae’s death comes less than two weeks after two men died in similar accidents at Danjiri festivals in western Osaka. Both fatalities occurred when large wooden floats toppled during high-speed turns known as yarimawashi, which are a celebrated and dangerous feature of these events. Police reported that 16 others were injured in the float-related accidents in Osaka prefecture.

The Saijo festival, held annually since the Edo period (1603–1868), features over 100 elaborately decorated floats that symbolize flowers, birds, and warriors. The event is organized by local shrines to give thanks to Shinto deities for a bountiful grain harvest. Saijo’s mayor, Mitsuyoshi Ochi, expressed deep sorrow and shock over the tragedy, offering condolences and noting that Nabae’s passing was a heavy loss for the community.

These incidents have highlighted safety concerns surrounding Japan’s traditional festivals, particularly events involving large floats and close crowds. Earlier this year in February, two people died during a crush at the “Naked Man Festival” in Okayama, where thousands of men dressed only in fundoshi loincloths gather to compete for sacred wooden sticks. Festival organizers and local authorities face increasing pressure to improve measures to prevent such accidents while preserving cultural heritage.