The Fukushima Waraji (Straw Sandals) Festival takes place in early August each year and is a popular feature of summer in Fukushima. The origin of the festival dates back 400 years to the Shinobu Sanzan Akatsuki-mairi festival. Following on from this historic event, the Fukushima Waraji Festival features a parade of Japan’s largest straw sandal through the town’s streets supported by over 100 people. The sandal is 12 metres long, 1.4 metres wide and weighs 2 tons. It is dedicated to the Haguro Shrine on Mount Shinobu, the symbol of Fukushima city.

Along with the parade of the gigantic straw sandal, the festival features a number of other events including Waraji races, Waraji folk dancing accompanied by traditional folk music and a modern version of the Waraji dance known as “Dancing Soda Night” performed to the beat of hip-hop music.

In 2019 the Waraji Festival commemorates its 50th anniversary and to celebrate new music and choreography are being prepared for a special performance!