JP

Slug Festival

The Slug Festival (なめくじ祭) is a traditional annual event held in Kashimo village, Nakatsugawa, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It celebrates a local legend where slugs, particularly one with a distinctive black mark, are believed to be a reincarnation and appear on a tomb during a monk's prayer. The evening event features a procession with torches, taiko drums, and festival stalls.

Date
Aug 21, 2026
Location
Nakatsugawa
Lunar date
Âm lịch
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Slug Festival

Event summary

Highlights

  • Procession with torches and taiko drums
  • Observation of slugs appearing on a tomb during a monk's prayer
  • Celebration of the local legend of Kesa-gozen
The Slug Festival (なめくじ祭) is an annual traditional event taking place in the village of Kashimo, within Nakatsugawa, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Held on the 9th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar, which corresponds to August 21st, 2026, the free evening festival transforms the sleepy hamlet with its unique cultural celebration.

The festival is deeply rooted in a local legend dating back to the Heian and Kamakura Periods. It centers around the tragic story of Kesa-gozen, whose reincarnation is believed to manifest as a slug with a distinctive black line on its back, symbolizing a sword scar. This particular slug, along with others, is said to appear on a specific tomb on the anniversary of Kesa-gozen's death.

During the festival evening, streets are adorned with torches, and stalls offer traditional festival fare. A highlight of the event is a solemn procession accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of taiko drums. Attendees gather to observe a monk from the local temple offering prayers at the tomb, during which the mysterious appearance of slugs is eagerly anticipated by the community.

Practical details

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