Carrying the "Shimoda Hachiman Shrine Annual Festival," with a history of about 400 years, into the future 23 young people launch a crowdfunding campaign; seeking support through June 30

~A New Challenge to Pass Down Shimoda City’s Largest Private Festival to the Next Generation~

2026.06.15 10:30

令和八年下田八幡神社例大祭若者執行部

The Youth Executive Committee for the 2026 Shimoda Hachiman Shrine Annual Festival has launched a project on the crowdfunding platform "CAMPFIRE" starting June 5, 2026, with the aim of preserving and developing the Shimoda Hachiman Shrine Annual Festival (Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture), which boasts a history of approximately 400 years.

"Shimoda Hachiman Shrine Annual Festival: The Youth's Challenge" Crowdfunding Site

https://camp-fire.jp/projects/936270/view

供奉道具責任者と太鼓橋

The person in charge of ritual implements and Taiko-bashi

■Background

The Shimoda Hachiman Shrine Annual Festival is a traditional festival that has been passed down by local residents for approximately 400 years.With approximately 300 participants, one mikoshi (portable shrine), 14 taikodai (drum floats), and 11 ceremonial props parading through the town, it is beloved by the community as one of Shimoda City’s largest private festivals.

However, in recent years, rising prices and increased operating costs have made securing the funds necessary for future festival operations a challenge.

The 23 young members of the executive committee responsible for running the festival have decided to try crowdfunding as a new means of raising funds to pass on this 400-year-old tradition to the next generation.

The funds raised will be used for heatstroke prevention and safety measures, purchasing sweets to throw to children, festival operating costs, and the purchase of equipment, with the goal of ensuring a safe, secure, and sustainable festival.

各町の太鼓台【昼の様子】

Drum floats from each town [Daytime scene]

各町による揃い打ち【夜の様子】

Synchronized drumming by each town [Evening scene]

■ Features

[Preserving a Traditional Culture with a History of Approximately 400 Years]

The Shimoda Hachiman Shrine Annual Festival is a traditional event with a history of approximately 400 years. Led by a committee of 23 young members, we are working to pass on this festival culture—a source of local pride—to future generations.

[One of Shimoda City’s Largest Community Festivals]

Approximately 300 people participate in the festival, bringing together one mikoshi (portable shrine), 14 taikodai (drum floats), and 11 sets of ceremonial paraphernalia. It is one of Shimoda’s most representative festivals, beloved not only by local residents but also by many tourists.

[Creating a Safe and Sustainable Festival]

We are working to enhance heatstroke prevention and safety measures to create an environment where participants can enjoy the festival with peace of mind. We are also committed to building a sustainable operational framework with an eye toward the future.

【Limited-Edition Thank-You Gifts Through Collaboration with Local Businesses】

With the cooperation of local and regional businesses, we have prepared exclusive rewards for this project. We aim to promote the appeal of the festival and the region to the entire country.

■ About Rewards

From 5,000 yen 【Keychain-Style Mini Lantern】

A mini lantern with a keychain featuring a limited-edition design commemorating the “2026 Shimoda Hachiman Shrine Annual Grand Festival.”

Set of 2: 9,000 yen

From 7,000 yen 【Senjafuda Strap】

A personalized Senjafuda strap exclusive to the 2026 Shimoda Hachiman Shrine Annual Festival, created in collaboration with Stock Plus in Ginza, Tokyo.

From 10,000 yen 【Mini Lantern Hair Ornament】

In collaboration with "Matsuri Sumitaya," a festival goods specialty store in Hamamatsu City. An original hair ornament featuring the Hachiman Shrine crest—the right-facing triple tomoe—and your name.

From 12,000 yen 【Shimoda Dried Fish Set】

A dried fish set featuring local specialties, including Kinmedai (golden eye snapper), created in collaboration with Ogiso Shoten in Shimoda City.

リターン品のミニ提灯(キーホルダー)