On February 17th (Saturday), Masaharu Fukuyama and Riisa Naka, both of whom are from Nagasaki, appeared in the roles of Emperor and Empress at the 2024 Nagasaki Lantern Festival Emperor Parade Special Edition, which was held in Nagasaki Prefecture for the first time in four years. .
Fukuyama himself was inspired by the Nagasaki Lantern Festival and wanted more people in Japan to know about this event, which led him to take on the role of emperor. Fukuyama himself offered the role of Empress Naka. Their triumphant return to the local area stems from their desire to energize the local area and disseminate its culture.
The emperor and empress costumes designed and produced for this occasion were specially made by popular stylist Babymix, who also created the costumes for the drama “Paripi Komei” (Fuji TV), and the emperor costume is over 2 meters long when Fukuyama wears it. A gorgeous costume. Fukuyama appeared in such a costume, and when he said, “Come back! Nagasaki!”, the audience along the road erupted in cheers. Naka also greeted the audience, saying, “It’s been 20 years since I’ve been to Tokyo, but it’s been a while since I’ve been to the Lantern Festival, so I’m really looking forward to coming back.” The parade started.
The number of applications for viewing the “Emperor Parade” was over 170,000, the largest number ever, for this “Emperor Parade Special Edition.” On this day, which was blessed with clear skies without a single cloud, Emperor Fukuyama and Empress Naka rode in a portable shrine and paraded approximately 1.3 km from Dejima (a nationally designated historic site) in Nagasaki City to Dejima Messe Nagasaki for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This is the first time that the Emperor’s Parade, which has been running since 1995, has limited viewing areas and the number of people.In addition to the 26,000 lucky spectators, many locals and tourists rushed to the viewing areas along the route. It was filled with people and was greeted with loud cheers.
At an event held after the parade, Fukuyama said, “The city of Nagasaki is said to be undergoing major changes and starting anew.Also, I have a strong desire to make the Lantern Festival a festival that will last for 100 years.” “10 Stadium City will also start in January. I think it will be an opportunity for Nagasaki to move forward greatly. I thought that with the construction of new things, the old scenery would be gone and it would be lonely, but the brilliance of the new things is… I think it will illuminate the past history, and I think it will become a more profound Nagasaki.”
When asked about a recommended place, Naka replied, “Amu Plaza Nagasaki, I guess. I’m also the special ambassador there.The new building of Amu Plaza and the food area have also opened, and I highly recommend them, so everyone should definitely go.” It’s also the place where I have fond memories of when I was little, like “I went to take a purikura photoshoot” (lol)” and “When people ask me where I’m from and I answer, “I’m from Nagasaki,” they tell me about the memories they have of Nagasaki. It left a very good impression on me, and I can proudly say that I am from Nagasaki.It’s a place that makes me want to come back, a hometown that I can be proud of.I wonder what I can do to liven up Nagasaki. But I’m working hard in hopes of being of help,” he said, talking about the appeal of Nagasaki. At the end, Fukuyama concluded, “Is it okay if I come back with music this time? I will be back soon. See you again in Nagasaki. Thank you very much for today.” The event ended on a high note.
On the JA Building, which can be seen from Dejima, there is a huge banner written by Nagasaki University’s calligraphy club with the message, “Welcome back Mamborians Masaharu Fukuyama, Riisa Naka, “Please continue to love Nagasaki even after 100 years.” Many people came out of shops and apartments to catch a glimpse of Fukuyama and Naka, and many people stuck their heads out of their windows. Messages such as “Please do so” were posted everywhere, making it a “special edition of the Emperor’s Parade” that felt the love of the local people of Nagasaki for the two men.