Here's an English translation of a Japanese page I came across today.

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Kumamoto Earthquake 10th Anniversary: Groups Now Being Recruited for the 49th Hinokuni Matsuri “Otemoyan So-odori”!

We are looking for organizations and groups that will help bring excitement and energy to the Hinokuni Matsuri (“Land of Fire Festival”)!

Before applying, please be sure to check the participation guidelines.

Date and time

Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. — planned

Application deadline

Friday, June 5, 2026

How to apply

Apply electronically using the LoGo Form, a web form for local government procedures.

Electronic application is available here.

Fill out the application form and participant profile, then submit them by email, fax, postal mail, or by bringing them directly to the office.

Please note that applications are not accepted by telephone.

Where to apply / Inquiries

Hinokuni Matsuri Steering Committee Office
c/o Event Promotion Section, Kumamoto City Hall, 8th floor
1-1 Tetorihoncho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City
〒860-8601

TEL: 096-328-2948
FAX: 096-323-9262

For email submissions, please attach the completed application form as a PDF, Word file (.docx), or image file with a .jpg or .png extension.

Each group should consist of at least 30 and no more than 150 participants.

The number of participants listed at the time of application will be treated as the number eligible to participate on the day of the Otemoyan So-odori. Additional participants cannot be added after the application deadline. However, depending on the application situation and other factors, groups may be asked to adjust their number of participants.

A briefing session for participating groups will be held as follows.

Briefing Session for Participating Groups

Date and time: Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 10:30 a.m., for about one hour
Venue: Kumamoto City International Center, 6th and 7th floor hall
4-18 Hanabatacho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture

Here, Otemoyan So-odori means a large group dance based on Otemoyan, a well-known Kumamoto folk song, and Hinokuni Matsuri literally means “Land of Fire Festival,” a major summer festival in Kumamoto.
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