High School Student Dies in Accident at Niigata Festival

Aug 25, 2026 | News On Japan

NIIGATA - An 18-year-old male high school student died after being trapped between a festival lantern and a pillar during a traditional event in Agano, Niigata Prefecture, on the evening of August 24.

The student had been participating as one of the people carrying a lantern in an event in which groups push large lanterns against each other.

He became trapped between one of the lanterns and a pillar supporting a shopping arcade.

According to the fire department, two other men were injured at the festival and taken to a hospital.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the accident and what caused it.

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