[Video Removal and Apology]
In the LIVE stream “Nishinomiya Danjiri! From Hirota Shrine to Nishinomiya City Hall starting at 2 p.m.,” broadcast on April 20, 2025, there was a scene showing me, Shachomi (Shiomi), drinking alcohol while wearing a happi coat from the Koshikiiwa Youth Association.
The association has a policy of refraining from drinking during the procession, and my failure to respect that principle was entirely due to my own carelessness.
I sincerely apologize to everyone involved and to all viewers.
After receiving feedback, we removed the video on April 22.
Each neighborhood has its own way of running these processions and its own rules, but every neighborhood association shares the same wish: “zero accidents.”
Going forward, whenever wearing symbolic attire, I will make absolutely sure to confirm in advance and respect each organization’s policies.
