Nagasaki Kunchi

Nagasaki Kunchi is the autumn festival of Suwa Shrine, the guardian deity of Nagasaki, held annually for three days starting from October 7. It is said to have begun in 1634 when two courtesans dedicated a Noh dance called 'Komai' to the shrine. The festival features many performances with exotic themes and was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the Japanese government in 1979. The Nagasaki Traditional Performing Arts Promotion Association was established to promote the smooth operation and development of Nagasaki Kunchi, contributing to the economic development and tourism industry of Nagasaki City, and to preserve and nurture the festival's performances.