The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival, with a history spanning more than 300 years, returns again this year as 22 town associations unite to carry it forward despite Japan's declining birthrate. Upholding the festival's three founding principles—self-management, self-regulation, and self-policing—the community continues to pass its spirit on to the next generation. This year's program follows the danjiri of Sakai-machi, the town serving as this year's lead organizer (nenban-cho) for the festival.
The Toughest Challenge: Racing Through the S-Curve
©TV Osaka
Known simply as "the S," this S-shaped curve is said to be the most difficult stretch on the danjiri's route through Kishiwada.
It was originally built to slow the momentum of enemies attempting to storm Kishiwada Castle, and pulling a danjiri through its tight turns without losing speed demands a high level of skill and experience. Sakai-machi, the town featured in this program, sits right at "the S" and takes great pride and confidence in mastering it. The young men's association, the driving force behind the danjiri, trains through the summer heat and studies the best line to take late into the night—all fueled by their passion for the festival.
©TV Osaka
©TV Osaka
Passing the Baton from Father to Son: The Daikugata Who Dance Atop the Roof
©TV Osaka
©TV Osaka
The star performers of the danjiri are the daikugata, who direct the vehicle's movement and dance atop its roof.
This year, seven elite members will take to Sakai-machi's rooftop.
Among them is Hitoshi Kawahigashi, who grew up admiring his father in the role and makes his own debut as a daikugata this year.
The festival also depends on the kanji, the coordinators who support these star performers. Always working a step ahead to keep every member moving safely through the festival, their efforts behind the scenes are indispensable.
©TV Osaka
The program also captures the powerful "yarimawashi" turns performed by danjiri from towns throughout Kishiwada in dynamic footage.
Program Information
Title: "Showa Seiko Presents: A Bridge Connecting Generations – Kishiwada Danjiri Festival 2026"
Broadcast: Saturday, September 26, 11:57 AM to 12:57 PM
Website: https://www.tv-osaka.co.jp/sp/danjiri2026/
Streaming on TVer after broadcast: https://tver.jp/series/srpv1a82uy
The page will switch to this year's version after the broadcast.
