It is said that the festival originates from villagers who worried about Niu Hime no Mikoto when she overslept a gathering of gods at Izumo Shrine and tried to comfort her by telling her to laugh.
It is a peculiar festival where the white painted Laughing Okina parades around shaking bells and chanting, “Laugh, laugh.”
(Designed an intangible folk performing art by the prefecture.)
| Event Dates | The Sunday before Sports Day |
|---|---|
| Event Details | October 11 (Sunday), 2026 Please see the official website for details. |
| Official site | http://hidakagawa-kanko.jp/miru/nyuujinnja.html |
| Location (venue) | Nui-jinja Shrine |
| Address | Ekawa, Hidakagawa-cho, Hidaka-gun, Wakayama |
| Region | Kinki |
|---|---|
| Category | Shrines and temples, Traditional performing arts |
Event organizers may change the date and time. Please check the official website.
update: Aug.18.2026