Every year, thousands flock to Nagasaki Prefecture’s Sasebo Seaside Festival for a weekend of music, games and fireworks. With fun activities for people of all ages, the festival is a great way to bring the summer to an end.
The Sasebo Seaside Festival was first held in 2005 and filled the void left by the Saikai American Festival. Launched in 1985, the Saikai American Festival was a collaboration between the local US military base and Sasebo City but ended after the September 11, 2011 terrorist attacks. Since its founding, the Sasebo Seaside Festival has continued the partnership between the American military and local businesses and artists.
Festival Highlights
Photo by: PIXTA/ kattyan An unforgettable way to cap off summer.
The Sasebo Seaside Festival offers plenty of activities for people to participate in or sit back and enjoy. First, there are the games that you would typically find at a Japanese festival. Try your aim with a pellet gun and aim for prizes arranged in rows, test your pitching arm and hurl baseballs at targets or give the ring toss a shot.
If you have young children in need of a creative outlet and a chance to burn some energy, check out the jungle gym-building event. Using traditional Japanese architectural methods, participants will work together to build a wooden jungle gym. The reward includes a sense of accomplishment and playing on their creation.
Basketball fans will want to stop by the 3-on-3 basketball tournament to see 32 teams battle for the top spot. Although summer will be over, you may want to cool yourself off in the pool. Why not join a tug-of-war match held in the water?
Live Music
Music lovers should keep their ears open for live music on both days. On Sunday afternoon, amateur singers will take to the stage for a karaoke singing competition. Contestants earning the highest scores will advance to the finals.
You’ll also be able to hear songs from the United States military band stationed at the nearby base. A headlining act is performed each day of the festival.
Fireworks
Starting at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, more than 3,500 fireworks will launch into the night sky. This caps off the festival with an explosive finale that takes place at the riverside. While there are free zones available for spectators to enjoy the show, the event also has paid seating for attendees who want a more comfortable vantage point.
