Echizen Asakura Mantouya is organised by Yume Sozo Asuwa-kai, founded in 2004, the year of the first Mantouya. It is a community association formed by residents of the seven former Asuwa districts of Fukui City (Sakou, Ichijo, Kami-Monju, Monju, Rokujo, Togo and Miyama). Together they hold events at the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins.
How it began
In July 2004, the Fukui Flood caused extensive flooding across the former Asuwa district. The damage was severe and that year’s event was nearly called off, but with the help of more than 10,000 volunteers from across Japan, 3,000 candles were lit just three months after the disaster.
Begun as a prayer for recovery and as a way of thanking those volunteers, the lighting has been held every year since. 2026 marks the 23rd, and the candles now number about 15,000.
Run by the seven districts
The association brings together the head of the residents’ federation and the head of the community centre from each of the seven districts. It works through five committees — general affairs, programme, site, publicity and planning — and a secretariat. The chair is Eiichi Yamazaki.
On the days of the festival, each district takes charge of its own part of the site. Around 150 people start three hours before the lighting ceremony, filling cups with water and setting the candles, then light them as dusk falls. The nine temporary car parks are staffed by the districts as well. From setting up to clearing away, the work spans four days.
Main activities
- Echizen Asakura Mantouya (August)
- Rokujo Natsu-akari, summer lights at Rokujo (August)
- JK Sauna at Ichijo Falls, with illumination (September)
- Asakura Trail Run — baggage drop (October)
- Christmas tree illumination at Kami-Monju (November)
Contact
Yume Sozo Asuwa-kai (Echizen Asakura Mantouya Executive Committee)
Email info@mantouya.jp