Every year on August 15th during Obon, Nagasaki (mainly in the city) holds a traditional event called the “Shōrō Nagashi (Bon Lantern Boat Procession).”
In this ritual, families of those who have passed away during the previous year place the spirits of the deceased aboard decorated wooden boats called shōrō-bune, adorned with Bon lanterns and artificial flowers, then transport them to a final destination known as the “flowing site.”
You might remember the thunderous noise of firecrackers exploding as the boats move along the streets to the flow site. Since few outside Nagasaki know this custom, here’s an introduction to this local tradition.
As Shōrō Nagashi Approaches, Spectral Boats Appear Throughout Town
As August 15 nears, shōrō-bune begin to appear all over the city.
The characters “Seihōmaru” on the sail mean “Western Pure Land,” reflecting the Buddhist belief that paradise lies to the west and guiding spirits there.
The peak ritual time is around 7–9 PM, but processions start as early as 5 PM while it’s still light out.
Even before traffic restrictions begin, the boats push forward.
Scenes from the Bon Lantern Boat Procession
After 8 PM, I went out to watch. The streets were littered with spent firecracker boxes and ash where boats had passed. (Cleaned up overnight)
Only on this night do people freely set off fireworks and firecrackers in the streets.
Police enforce safety and traffic controls wherever firecrackers and fireworks appear.
Walking toward the flow site, a community boat appeared! The clanging of bells and deafening firecrackers filled the air.
I recorded a video to capture the cacophony. Warning: extremely loud firecrackers!
Some hold firecrackers or fireworks in hand…
Others dump large boxes of firecrackers and set them all off at once. (Not recommended for safety)
Some boats are privately sponsored.
Others repurpose small trucks as floats.
The boats form long, winding processions.
Reaching a major intersection near the flow site, spectral boats cross while trains, buses, and pedestrians all yield.
I filmed the crossing in action:
At the Flow Site… A Bit Poignant
After the intersection, boats head to the Ōhato flow site.
Boats are not released into the sea (to prevent littering). Instead, after removing memorial photos, a crane ceremonially destroys each boat under participants’ prayers.
Although necessary, it feels somewhat fleeting. Fire trucks stand by just in case.
Participants, still wearing festive happi coats, carry memorial photos, spirit tablets, and bells home.
Afterword
Those over 40 might know Masashi Sada’s song “Shōrō Nagashi,” but the real event isn’t a quiet ceremony—it’s a boisterous celebration of bells, firecrackers, and chants. (Yet it remains a solemn ritual to honor the deceased.) If you plan to visit Nagasaki on August 15, be sure to witness this spectacle in person—and bring earplugs for the unexpected deafening firecracker blasts!
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