The “Ushibuka Haiya Festival,” held every spring in Ushibuka Town, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a spectacular grand dance event with approximately 5,000 participants, a true seasonal tradition heralding the arrival of spring.

This festival originates from the traditional folk song “Haiya-bushi,” which dates back to the Edo period, and it strongly reflects the history and culture of the port town of Ushibuka.

In this article, we will introduce the charm of the Ushibuka Haiya Festival in detail, along with its history, highlights, and basic information.

Unraveling the History of the Ushibuka Haiya Festival

Background of the Birth of Haiya-bushi

Ushibuka has flourished as a natural harbor since ancient times, a place where many ships came and went. During the Edo period, trading ships such as the Kitamae-bune frequently called at the port, creating a bustling scene.

It is said that the Haiya-bushi began when the women of Ushibuka sang and danced to heal the sailors who were tired from their long voyages.

Characteristics of Haiya-bushi

The Haiya-bushi is characterized by its lyrics in a 7-7-7-5 syllabic pattern, its unique melody, and a dance with a lowered waist. The lyrics range from words welcoming sailors to love songs and songs longing for one’s hometown.

Dissemination of Haiya-bushi

The Haiya-bushi, which originated in Ushibuka, was spread by sailors to various places, and unique Haiya-bushi were born in different regions. Today, there are Haiya-bushi all over the country, each with its own distinctive regional characteristics.

The Beginning of the Ushibuka Haiya Festival

The Ushibuka Haiya Festival began in 1970, with the aim of revitalizing the town. It was initially a small-scale festival, but it has grown in scale year by year and is now a major event with approximately 5,000 participants.

Highlights of the Ushibuka Haiya Festival

The Spectacular 5,000-Person Grand Dance!

The main event of the festival is, without a doubt, the Haiya Grand Dance. The sight of people of all ages dancing through the town to the rhythm of Haiya is spectacular. Participation on the spot is also welcome! Why not join in this excitement?

Fishing Fleet Parade at Sea & Marine Products Fair!

During the festival period, various events such as the fishing fleet parade at sea and the marine products fair are held.

Fishing Fleet Parade at Sea: The sight of many fishing boats parading at sea is a must-see unique to the port town of Ushibuka.

Marine Products Fair: A chance to taste fresh seafood from Amakusa! Why not buy some as souvenirs?

Basic Information of Ushibuka Haiya Festival

ItemContent
Event PeriodApril 18th (Fri) – 20th (Sun), 2025
LocationEntire Ushibuka Town area, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture (Ushibuka Haiya Ohashi Bridge side lawn, Ushibuka Town shopping streets, Ushibuka General Center, etc.)
Main EventsHaiya Grand Dance, Fishing Fleet Parade at Sea, Marine Products Fair, Haiya Competition, Local Products Haiya Market, Outdoor Festival Live Concert
AccessAbout 1 hour by bus from the Izumi Station on the Kyushu Shinkansen to “Kurano Moto Port” ~ About 30 minutes by Sanwa Ferry, disembark at “Ushibuka Port.” Or about 2.5 hours by bus from JR “Kumamoto Station” to “Hondo Bus Center,” then about 1 hour by bus to “Ushibuka Port.”
ContactUshibuka Haiya Festival Executive Committee Secretariat 0969-73-2114

Summary

The “Ushibuka Haiya Festival,” a seasonal tradition of spring in Amakusa. Be sure to experience the traditional Haiya-bushi and the lively atmosphere unique to a port town!