Japan deputy mayor crushed to death during festival

A deputy mayor in western Japan named Akihiro Nabae lost his life when crushed beneath a massive float during a local parade, officials announced on Monday. This incident occurred a week after two others died at separate traditional festivals in the region. Nabae was carrying a large float alongside other parade participants on Saturday when he was trapped beneath it, according to city and police officials.

He was rushed to a hospital but was later declared dead by local media. The specific cause of his death, whether the float toppled or he fell, is still under investigation. Deputy director Makoto Hagiyama of a local police station confirmed this to AFP. The parade featured 11 floats lined up side by side, potentially weighing up to three tonnes.

The Saijo festival, organized by local shrines, is a grand display of traditional Japanese culture, featuring floats symbolizing flowers, birds, and warriors. This tradition has roots in Japan's Edo period (1603-1868) and is held to express gratitude to deities for a bountiful harvest. Sadly, two people reportedly died during separate festivals in western Osaka earlier in the week, after floats overturned during high-speed turns.

Additionally, two individuals passed away in February following a crush at Japan's "Naked Man Festival."