‘Natsu wa Hawks! Tenjin Summer Festival’ Announced for 2026!

Tenjin Machizukuri Koyu Jigyotai

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Co., Ltd.

The Tenjin Machizukuri Koyu Jigyotai (Organizer: Tenjin Summer Festival 2026 Executive Committee, Secretariat: Saeki Japan Co., Ltd.) has announced that the 'Tenjin Summer Festival 2026' will be held from Friday, July 17, 2026, to Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the Fukuoka City Hall Westside Plaza. For the second consecutive year, the event will collaborate with Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Co., Ltd. to energize Fukuoka’s summer.

Accordingly, this year’s event will be branded as 'Natsu wa Hawks! Tenjin Summer Festival'.

## Overview of 'Natsu wa Hawks! Tenjin Summer Festival'

Name: Natsu wa Hawks! Tenjin Summer Festival (Natsu wa Hawks! Tenjin Natsu Matsuri)

Period: July 17 (Fri) – August 23 (Sun), 2026 (38 days)

Operating Hours: 17:30–22:00 daily (no holidays during the period). Events may be canceled due to inclement weather at the organizers’ discretion.

Venue: Fukuoka City Hall Westside Plaza (1-8-1 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka)

Main Features:
- Bon dancing and traditional Japanese drum performances on a yagura (festival tower) stage open to all attendees
- Festival game and toy stalls
- Approximately 32 food and festival vendors from Kyushu

Organizer: Tenjin Summer Festival 2026 Executive Committee
(Tenjin Machizukuri Koyu Jigyotai)
Saeki Japan, Nishinippon Shimbun Event Service, Love FM International Broadcasting, We Love Tenjin Council, Television Nishinippon Corporation, KBC UNIE

Secretariat & Operations: Saeki Japan Co., Ltd.

Official Website: https://www.tenjinnatumaturi.com/

## Collaboration with Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks!

The festival’s symbolic yagura, which serves as the stage for bon dancing, will be decorated in the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks’ team style, creating a unique and festive atmosphere. Banners surrounding the yagura will feature images of Hawks players, further energizing the venue. Visitors can also enjoy photo opportunities with their favorite players at designated photo spots.

Additionally, on days when the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks have games, public viewing events will be held on-site. Attendees can watch the games on large screens and cheer together as one. This summer-only experience allows fans to enjoy the excitement of live baseball right in the heart of Tenjin, complete with festival food and drinks.

Yagura decorated in Hawks style (as seen in 2025) Public viewing events where visitors unite in cheering

## Background of the 'Natsu wa Hawks! Tenjin Summer Festival'

Now in its fourth year, the 'Tenjin Summer Festival' is a beloved summer tradition held in Tenjin, the heart of Fukuoka. The festival offers classic Japanese summer experiences such as food stalls and festival games, while also introducing innovative elements like pop music-infused bon dancing, blending tradition with modernity.

This marks the third year of collaboration with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. Aligned with the shared vision of 'going beyond baseball to energize the entire city of Fukuoka' and 'revitalizing Fukuoka’s summer from Tenjin,' the partnership continues to amplify the city’s summer spirit.

## Bon Dancing in the Heart of Tenjin! A Summer Tradition for All Generations

Nightly Bon Dancing

Bon dancing, held nightly at the center of the venue, is one of the festival’s most popular attractions. Featuring familiar tunes like 'Tanko Bushi' alongside modern pop-infused styles, the event welcomes participants of all ages. Attendees naturally form circles, creating a powerful sense of unity across the entire venue.

The energetic performances are led by 'Nohadaiko,' a taiko drumming group based in Fukuoka. Their powerful drumming adds to the vibrant and festive atmosphere unique to summer festivals.

## The Festival’s Iconic 'Lantern Tower' Returns to Light Up the Venue

The approximately 8-meter-tall 'Lantern Tower' will once again illuminate the festival grounds. This dazzling display of countless lanterns is a popular highlight that enhances the summer festival ambiance. The warm glow welcomes visitors and adds a magical touch to summer memories.

## 32 Vendors: From Festival Food to Classic Games

The venue will host a wide array of summer festival favorites, including savory yakisoba with its tempting sauce aroma and charcoal-grilled local chicken. Visitors can enjoy these seasonal treats alongside ice-cold draft beer and shaved ice.

In addition, classic festival games such as ring toss and goldfish scooping will be available, offering fun for both children and adults. A total of 32 vendors will bring the authentic excitement and joy of a traditional Japanese summer festival to life.

## First-Time Attractions: New Vendors to Watch in 2026

This year’s festival will welcome several exciting first-time vendors.

### [Tenjin Summer Festival Exclusive: Marutai-Branded Yakisoba]

A special yakisoba dish, supervised by 'Marutai,' famous for its 'stick ramen,' makes its debut. This version of Fukuoka’s iconic street food 'yakisoba' is elevated with Marutai’s signature flavor. Thin noodles are stir-fried boldly on a hotplate with pork and vegetables, then coated with a light soy-based sauce for a rich, aromatic taste. Enjoy this authentic Fukuoka flavor at the festival grounds.

*Image is for illustration purposes only.

### [Samgyeopsal]

'Busan Tei Chiyoda Prefectural Office Front Store,' serving authentic Korean cuisine, will operate a stall. They will offer 'Samgyeopsal,' a classic Korean dish of grilled pork belly wrapped in vegetables. This summer’s must-try dish brings Korean street food culture to the heart of Tenjin.

### [Nishinakasu DOG]

A luxurious hot dog brand, 'Nishinakasu DOG,' curated by Japanese cuisine chefs with meticulous attention to ingredients and cooking methods, makes its first appearance. Experience a refined flavor that redefines the traditional hot dog.

Further details on vendors and menus will be announced via press releases and the official website as they become available.

Official Website URL
https://www.tenjinnatumaturi.com/