Jantokoi Uozu Festival

The Jantokoi Uozu Festival, held every early August in Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture, is the city's signature summer festival. In Uozu—famous as a town where mirages can be seen—citizens come together to celebrate the height of summer in this lively event that blends traditional customs with modern attractions. "Jantokoi" is a rallying cry in the Toyama dialect meaning roughly "come on in" or "bring it on," expressing a spirited invitation to join the festivities.

The festival runs over several days with a varied program. Among its highlights are traditional elements reminiscent of the "Tatemon," designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, and the citywide group dance known as the "Serikomi Chouroku machi-nagashi." Dancing to the local folk song "Chouroku," dancers in matching costumes parade through the streets in a procession that has become a defining sight of summer in Uozu.

Another major draw, unique to the seaside town of Uozu, is the maritime fireworks display. Fireworks launched over Toyama Bay color both the night sky and the surface of the sea, captivating throngs of spectators with their beauty. The festival grounds, lined with food stalls, bustle throughout the day with crowds enjoying local cuisine and festival fare.

Facing Toyama Bay and blessed with fresh seafood and abundant nature, Uozu sees the passion and local pride of its citizens come together in the Jantokoi Uozu Festival. It is a community-rooted celebration in which people throw themselves wholeheartedly into enjoying the short summer of the Hokuriku region.