In 735, however, many people died due to the plagues in the area of Dazaifu and then subsequently in Heijo-kyo, the ancient capital of Japan in current Nara, and as a result, similar festivals were held in various countries.
だが、天平7年（735年）の疫病で大宰府管内続いて平城京で多数の死者が発生すると、諸国においても同様の祭事を行った。