During the Edo period, Shimotsui, a port of the Kitamae ships, flourished.
The area that was bustling at that time still retains its charm as the Shimotsui Townscape Preservation District, watching over the lives of the people.
In May 2025, the "Shimotsui Port Bride Procession" was held in the Shimotsui Townscape Preservation District.
In today's era, opportunities to witness a bride procession in the city are rare. Interested in the bride procession held in this historic place, I also went to celebrate the newlyweds.
I will introduce the scenes of the bride procession filled with the smiles of the local people.
What is the "Shimotsui Port Bride Procession"?
The "Shimotsui Port Bride Procession" was held in the Shimotsui Townscape Preservation District.
In the Shimotsui Townscape Preservation District, where the atmosphere of a port town remains strong, the elegantly dressed bride and groom slowly tour the streets. Local people gather to celebrate, allowing us to enjoy the lively atmosphere of Shimotsui.
It is a warm-hearted community event that feels like sharing happiness.
The event was planned by Tsumoto Yukari, a member of the Shimotsui Sea Village Project, which is engaged in community development in Shimotsui. Tsumoto Yukari is a folk singer with experience winning the national championship of the Shimotsui-bushi.
In 2024, the festival "Shimotsui Yoakari", which transmits the Shimotsui-bushi, was also held in the same place, attracting many people to the Townscape Preservation District.
The bride procession was planned with the hope of "utilizing the Townscape Preservation District, which has supported people's activities since ancient times, to inherit the culture of that time."
As one of the community events that protect Shimotsui's culture, it would be great if it becomes a regular event in the future.
Scenes of the Bride Procession
On May 25, 2025 (Sunday), as I headed to the Shimotsui Townscape Preservation District, an unexpectedly large number of spectators had gathered even before the start.
The weather in Shimotsui that day was slightly cloudy, and the temperature was a bit low for May. A cool breeze was blowing, but considering the people walking in kimono, I thought it was just the right temperature.
Voices of Celebration at the Bride Procession
Upon arriving at the venue, staff handed out red and white pom-poms. These are for throwing to the couple to celebrate during the bride procession.
In the anxious atmosphere before it began, I managed to take a photo of the main characters of this bride procession, Hasegawa Tatsuya and Sakura. They are newlyweds who met in Shimotsui and got married in 2025, having moved from outside the prefecture.
At 1 PM, the bride procession finally began.
About twenty people dressed in kimono walked slowly down the main street of the Townscape Preservation District. Many people were ready with their cameras to capture this precious scene.
With the spectators shouting "Congratulations!" and "Wishing you happiness!", the red and white pom-poms that were distributed earlier danced in the air, filling the entire Townscape Preservation District with a happy atmosphere.
The people walking in the bride procession initially appeared dignified, but gradually their expressions softened as they received words of congratulations from the audience.
Following the bride and groom, local people dressed in colorful kimono walked behind them. In today's era, opportunities to dress formally in kimono are decreasing, but I thought it was nice that events like this increase opportunities to engage with kimono.
Looking at the end of the line, staff were picking up every single pom-pom that had fallen on the ground. The collected pom-poms were handed back to the audience for reuse.
While the bride procession was taking place, live performances of folk songs were being played. The singer was Tsumoto Yukari, who planned this bride procession.
The live folk songs were pleasant to listen to and further enlivened the bride procession. I imagined that during the time when the Townscape Preservation District was thriving, folk songs could be heard throughout the streets...
The bride procession circled around the area near the Townscape Preservation District. After passing through the Townscape Preservation District, they turned a corner and passed in front of Shimotsui Yokocho, heading towards the goal at the former Shimotsui Shipbuilding Warehouse.
The bride procession was so delightful that I wanted to chase after it multiple times. I also waited ahead several times to celebrate.
Wherever you walk, the words of congratulations and applause from the local people never stop. The smiles of everyone present overflowed, and I witnessed how the bridal procession invigorates the town.
Experience Shimotsui's Performing Arts Culture with "Wadaiko" Dance
After the bridal procession, there was a photo session at the former Shimotsui shipbuilding warehouse.
Local people called out, "Everyone, please step back a little for the photo!" and "Now, please look this way!" to ensure the photo session went smoothly.
After the photo session, the Wadaiko dance of Shimotsui began. With dancers demonstrating in front, even those who didn't know the choreography could easily join in and dance.
The Shimotsui folk song played during the Wadaiko dance was, of course, performed live. It was a luxurious moment.
First-time dancers and those reminiscing about the choreography all came together to dance.
I also challenged myself to the Wadaiko dance, but the choreography using a hand towel was unexpectedly difficult.
However, as I struggled, a dance instructor kindly taught me how to dance. I was cheered on by the surrounding audience with "Do your best!" and despite my lack of skill, I was able to dance joyfully, making it a good memory.
The "Mochinage" with Laughter Begins
After the Wadaiko dance, the "Mochinage" that the children had been looking forward to began. It was my first experience in life as well.
In front, children were lined up, but many adults gathered in the back, and I could feel the participants' enthusiasm.
The bride and groom on the platform threw candies and rice cakes energetically. With each throw, cheers and laughter erupted from all around.
Among the participants, there were even children who had prepared shopping baskets, and I couldn't help but laugh at their preparedness. Not to be outdone, grandmothers and grandfathers were also energetically picking up candies.
I managed to get one candy and two rice cakes. I learned that "rice cakes can be surprisingly painful when they hit your head" during the Mochinage.
Throughout the bridal procession, smiles were abundant. The happy atmosphere enveloped Shimotsui, and I felt like I was able to share in that happiness.
Afterward, I asked Tatsuya and Sakura Hasegawa for their impressions of the event.
Tatsuya Hasegawa
This time, the local community held a "bridal procession" for us newlyweds.
I wasn't given many details in advance, so it felt somewhat like a surprise on the day. I never expected so many people to gather...
I truly appreciate everyone involved, from the preparation stage to the day itself, and all the attendees. Thanks to everyone, we were able to spend a special day that will become a lifelong memory.
From now on, we want to work together as a couple to further invigorate Shimotsui.
Sakura Hasegawa
The moment I got off the vehicle, I was really surprised to see so many people.
While walking, it was a feeling I had never experienced before, and it was hard to put into words, but the sight of the old road in Shimotsui filled with smiles was very heartwarming.
I want to convey the charm of Shimotsui so that voices arise for a second, third, and more bridal processions from this opportunity.
Conclusion
Of course, I was moved by the sight of the glamorous bride and groom, but what left a deep impression was the local people gathered as spectators, looking genuinely happy as if it were their own event.
Events like the bridal procession, where the entire town celebrates something, are wonderful initiatives that can make everyone feel happy.
I believe that the traditional townscape of Shimotsui, which has continued since the Edo period, is perfect for life's milestone events.
I want to continue supporting the holding of bridal processions in the Shimotsui townscape preservation area. I wonder who will be the next star of the bridal procession.
Data on the Shimotsui Port Bridal Procession
| Name | Shimotsui Port Bridal Procession |
|---|---|
| Date | May 25, 2025 (Sunday) From 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM |
| Location | 1-8 Shimotsui, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Website | Official Instagram of Shimotsui Port Bridal Procession |
