The "Tosen Matsuri" (Chinese Ship Festival), presented by Motofune-machi, recreates the bustling atmosphere of the Chinese ship trade during Japan's isolationist period through both dance and floats.
The dance area is designated as the meeting place for the gods of Suwa Shrine and Mazu, and first, girls called "Guniang" perform a Chinese-style dance to the melodies of Ming and Qing dynasty music.
Afterward, the powerful pulling of the Chinese ship depicts its turbulent voyage to Nagasaki.
The first of the 24 people pulling the float is 42-year-old Minoru Onoue, who leads the boat. This is his third appearance at the Kunchi festival.
This year, his beloved eldest daughter, Hana, 4 years old, and his second daughter, Ai, 2 years old, will be performing as dancers.
The father, determined that this will be the first and last time his daughters see him pulling the float, is practicing diligently with his family.
(Broadcast September 30, 2026)