Japan's festivals face scrutiny after fatal accidents

Japan's centuries-old festivals are facing renewed scrutiny after a series of fatal accidents in recent weeks. A deputy mayor in Saijo, western Japan, died on Saturday after becoming trapped beneath a giant float during the community's annual festival. This incident followed two similar deaths in Osaka prefecture less than two weeks earlier, where wooden floats toppled during Danjiri festival events, injuring 16 people. The sharp turns, known as yarimawashi, are a highlight of the festivals, which originated as prayers for good harvests. Organizers of another major festival, where two men died in February, have cancelled next year's event citing public safety concerns.