William The Yamaga Tōrō Festival (山鹿灯籠まつり) is accepting from June 3, 2022 to June 30, 2022 female applicants (the parade consists of females only; 150 will be accepted), particularly from outside Yamaga, to participate in this year’s festival, which will be held on August 16th from 20:00 - 21:00. The lantern festival is said to have its origins in the semi-legendary 12th Emperor Keiko (景行天皇), whose rein is variously stated as in the 1st or 5th c. Apparently, while traveling around Kyushu, his boats landed on a Kikuchi River bank and his entourage became lost in heavy fog; local visitors bearing torches (まつあき、松明) saved the day. Since then, the event is celebrated at Omiya Shrine, located where the rescue supposedly took place, The festival consists of three dances performed: the Yohehobushi (performed twice), Yonabaru Chouja Kudoki Uta (once), and Yamaga Lantern Bon Odori (once). The dances are rather simple and (optional but likely fun) practice sessions will be held. Participants must register with free Yamaga’s message service, Yamaga Mate, for information updates. Yukata are provided. This is a rather major undertaking which should be approached seriously. However, if you have been accepted and find it overwhelming or suddenly inconvenient, cancelling with advance notice is fine. The festival Website (Japanese) is here: https://yamaga-tanbou.jp/lanterndance-entry/ Should you have any questions, please address the organizers directly or ask KI via the comment section below or by PM. Likely festival organizers will be thrilled to receive non-Japanese participants, and it will likely be a thrill of a lifetime for you.