Every summer, tens of thousands of dancers and spectators fill the streets around Kumamoto City Hall for the Hino Kuni Matsuri (Fire Country Festival) — one of the largest summer festivals (matsuri) in Kyushu. This year marks the 49th edition of the event, and it carries extra significance as Kumamoto reflects on the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes. The centerpiece is the Otemoyan So-Odori, a mass street dance performed to the tune of the beloved Kumamoto folk song “Otemoyan.”
To make it all run smoothly, the organizing committee is looking for around 100 volunteers to help out on the evening of the event. Whether you’re a long-term resident wanting to get more involved in local life, an exchange student looking for a unique experience, or just someone who loves a good festival atmosphere, this is a great opportunity to be part of something meaningful.
Volunteer Details at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Saturday, August 1, 2026 — 18:00–21:00 (subject to cancellation in case of disaster or severe weather) |
| Location | Around the festival route: Kumamoto City Hall area and along the tram street from the Ginza-dori pedestrian bridge to Suidocho intersection |
| Number of Volunteers | Approx. 100 (first-come, first-served) |
| Roles | ① Crowd guidance and safety along the parade route (using batons and placards) ② Distributing water and refreshments to dancing groups |
| Application Period | April 17 – June 5, 2026 (by 17:00) |
| Age Requirement | 15 years or older on the day of the event (no middle school students; minors and high school students must have parental consent) |
You can apply as an individual or as a group. Applications are accepted via an online form, or by submitting the application sheet by email, fax, or post. Phone applications are not accepted. Successful volunteers will receive materials by post in late July detailing meeting points and activity assignments.
The Hino Kuni Matsuri is one of Kumamoto’s most unmissable summer events, and getting involved as a volunteer is a fantastic way to experience it from the inside. For questions or to submit your application, contact the festival secretariat at the address below.
Contact & Application
火の国まつり運営委員会事務局 ボランティア係
〒860-8601 熊本市中央区手取本町1-1（熊本市役所8Fイベント推進課内）
TEL: 096-328-2948 / FAX: 096-323-9262
Source: Kumamoto City Tourism Guide
