Local News

The night walking rally conducted for more than 20 years in Kokonoe-machi, Oita Prefecture, has been cancelled this year due to the poor behavior of the participants. The hike was held to enjoy mountain climbing in the Kuju range and the cool evening air. The participants were asked to walk along roads with heavy traffic in double file to avoid creating hazards for passing cars, but some of them spread out horizontally along the road instead, and also ignored traffic signals. When cautioned about their behavior by police and event organizers, some of these participants complained about their treatment. The organizers are considering the resumption of the event next year over a shorter distance.