On March 9, 2025, Sakaiminato City, known for its rich connection to the renowned manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, celebrated his 103rd birthday with great fanfare, drawing over 20,000 visitors to the city.
The event was part of the Mizuki Shigeru Birthday Festival, held over the weekend of March 8 and 9, where fans from across the nation paraded through Mizuki Shigeru Road dressed as their favorite yokai characters. The festivities were marked by the involvement of popular child actress Yukina Nagao, who captivated attendees as she dressed as Neko-Musume (Cat Girl).
Parade-goers registered their excitement, with one participant mentioning, "I came from Nagasaki as Nezumi Otoko (Rat Man) to celebrate the birthday!" Another guest dressed as Shiro Uneri, the stenchy monster, noted, "It was wonderful to have the opportunity to learn about these fantastic yokai thanks to the amazing works of Mizuki Shigeru."
The annual celebration not only served as homage to Mizuki's contributions to manga but also highlighted the community spirit of Sakaiminato, where attendees expressed their delight at the thriving atmosphere. Mayor Kotaro Ida noted the significance of the festival: "It feels so vibrant here; I hope the yokai from other realms continue to keep us warm and safe."
Mizuki, who passed away in 2015, is best known for his works celebrating the spirit of Japanese folklore and yokai culture. The spectacular parade was reminiscent of the 'Night Parade of One Hundred Demons,' bringing together about 4,000 fans to participate and witness. The fans, clad as various yokai, filled the streets with vibrant energy, reflecting the artist's legacy.
Yukina Nagao, at only eight years old, emerged as one of the event's stars. While enjoying the festival, she remarked, "Being here feels like stepping right onto the pages of the stories. Everything is delicious, including the 'Medama Oyaji' dumplings, and Sakaiminato is incredibly fun!" Her enthusiasm embodied the spirit of the celebrations, and she proudly took on the role of Sakaiminato's 'One-Day Recommendation Navigator' to promote the city's attractions.
Mayor Ida expressed his appreciation for Nagao's involvement, highlighting her vibrant personality. "Yukina-chan really seems to enjoy Sakaiminato, and I hope she continues to share the joy and deliciousness of our region everywhere she goes," he added.
The Mizuki Shigeru Road was reportedly thrumming with energy as nearly four times the number of visitors attended this year's event than last year's birthday festival, amounting to around 20,000 people. The community came out to honor the memory of Mizuki through various engaging activities, with attendees expressing gratitude for his groundbreaking work.
A participant from Hokkaido remarked on the event's depth, stating, "The content does not merely cater to children; Mizuki's work has layers of richness for everyone." Their sentiments reflect the broader appreciation for Mizuki's legacy, which continues to resonate beyond generations.
Even the crowds were treated to authentic Japanese cuisine, adding to the flavor of the event. Eagerly recounting the experience, another participant said, "Thanks to this event, I am excited to see so many wonderful yokai characters alive and portrayed with such authenticity!"
Overall, the Mizuki Shigeru Birthday Festival not only commemorated the incredible legacy of the artist but also served to strengthen community ties and promote local tourism. Yukina Nagao's role was instrumental, and her continued promotion of the city's charm via social media is anticipated to uphold the event's growing popularity.
The excitement surrounding this year's celebration reflects the enduring influence of Mizuki's work, encouraging new generations to explore and appreciate the rich cultural history of yokai.