The 68th Hakata Obon Niwaka Tournament 2026

About this event

The "Hakata Obon Niwaka Tournament," which carries on the tradition of Hakata Niwaka—an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukuoka City—will be held again this year at the Fukuoka City Sawara Civic Center. This event will feature various Niwaka performances, starting with the "Hitokuchi Niwaka Contest" where performers compete on diverse themes, as well as "Danmono Niwaka" and "Kakeai Niwaka." In addition, the program is packed with entertainment for all ages, including performances of ancient Hakata folk songs by the Hakata Nanotsukai and a fun raffle to enliven the venue. Hakata Niwaka is a traditional performing art where actors wear half-masks, converse in Hakata dialect, and conclude the story with a pun punchline, characterized by humorous content reflecting daily life and social affairs. Hitokuchi Niwaka is performed solo, Kakeai Niwaka by two actors, and Sokuseki Niwaka involves impromptu performances based on themes given on the spot. Admission is free with no advance registration required, making it easy to drop in and enjoy Hakata's traditional performing art.

Venue

Fukuoka City Sawara Civic Center

2F, 2-2-1 Momochi, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 814-0006