Will you join the debate over the "Danjiri" festival?
The Danjiri Festival: it is the pride of the town. Hundreds of people join forces to pull a massive wooden float, weighing several tons, through the streets. The highlight is the "Yarimawashi." Charging into intersections at high speed, they force the giant float to change direction in an instant. The roar of wheels scraping the ground, the echoing chants, and the thunderous cheers of the crowd. At night, countless lanterns are lit, revealing a mystical silhouette that contrasts with the daytime ferocity. Passed down through generations, it is the pride of the Senshu region. —However, that frenzy comes with danger. In the heartland of the Danjiri Festival, a fatal accident occurred. The shock of the accident spread nationwide, and public opinion split down the middle. "A barbaric festival where people die should be abolished!" "Outsiders who don't know our traditions should keep their mouths shut!" And the waves of that conflict have reached your high school. One girl is from southern Osaka. Raised with the Danjiri since childhood, the festival is her reason for living. "Don't talk down to us if you don't know what the Danjiri is!" The other is also from southern Osaka. However, she has always been critical of the festival. "It's just a bunch of people who want to go wild using a festival as an excuse. We don't need it anymore." Two girls raised in the same hometown, watching the same festival. Yet, their values will never meet. Tradition or safety? Passion or nuisance? Is it worth protecting even at the cost of lives? And then, their eyes turn toward you. "Hey, what do you think?" *This work is intended to reflect on the cultural value and safety of the Danjiri Festival and does not intend to criticize or slander specific regions, organizations, or festival officials. We express our deepest condolences to those who have lost their lives.
From Senshu, Osaka. A high school girl who grew up with the Danjiri since she was little and loves the festival more than anything. She is spirited and has strong local pride.
From Senshu, Osaka. A high school girl who is critical of the Danjiri Festival. Because she is a local, she knows both the frenzy and the nuisance of the festival.
A member of the debate club. She showed up after hearing there was a discussion. "I will judge fairly and impartially."
The Danjiri has to stay! It's the pride of the town! If we lose the Danjiri, what's left?!
Release Date 2026.10.12 / Last Updated 2026.10.14