Saturday September 5th,2015, I was in my house.
Then small voice ” wasshoi!…Wasshoi” was heard.
It must have been voice when people carry mikoshi.
I thought today is held Matsuri(festival) somewhere.
Matsuri is held a lot of places to cereblate harvest in Autumn.
I checked by internet,it was Kitazawahachimanjinja shrine.
It was about 20 minutes on foot from my house.
So I went there.I can go there through Shimokitazawa streets.
So I would be able to find mikoshi.
On the way to shrine,I found mikoshi carried by children.
This mikoshi is children’s only. Mikoshi was walking around streets of Shimokitazawa.
This festival is not only held inside shrine,but also whole of Shimokitazawa area.
There were many flags on the Shimokitazawa street.
I arrived at shrine.
At first,I saluted for god.Here were so crowded!
Then Kagura performance had began at stage.
Kagura is one of Japanese traditional performing art.
This was Edosatokagura,played by Yoshimurashachu.
Satokagura is played to console god and entertain audience during ceremony of shrine.
This was my first time to watch. It was easy to understand.And movement was cool and comical,music was emotional.
So I came to like it.That’s why I introduce part of them.
First story is “Inariyama”.
He is Inariookami.He is a god. He heard that people are in trouble because Oni(daemons) are acting violently.
So he order to his servant to bring arrow.
Later he call servant “Tenko”. Tenko is fox lived over 100 years.It is messenger of god.
And they dance each other.
Later Inarioomikami called Chinori. He is expert bow.
Inariookami gave arrow to Chinori to exterminate Oni.
Chinori danced to hope winning,and left for extermination.
Next story is “Akkitaiji”(Extermination of Daemons)
They are Akaoni(red) and Aooni(green)*.
*In Japan sometimes called green as “Ao(blue)”.Traffic signal is also called blue.But in fact,it’s green.
Akaoni is elder brother. They are acting violently. Actually,they looks cute and comical.
Chinori appeared. And fight against them.
Aooni is shot by Chinori with arrow.
Akaoni began surgical operation and saved Aooni.
Fight again!
But defeated. And run away!
Chinori perform winning dance.
The end.
I felt a little sympathy to Akaoni and Aooni…
I want to enjoy music. Here are movie.
Dancing scene of Chinori from “Inariyama”.
Exterior of stage.
There were other stories. But I moved.
Coincidentally, I got a chance to watch detail of Mikoshi!
This Mikoshi is made by Miyamoto Unosuke Shigeyoshi,Asakusa.
Located Kitazawahachimanjinja shrine.
I have never seen stopping Mikoshi,so I was happy to be able to watch detail.
It was cool and beautiful. Gorgeous decoration.
There were some stalls. It was good atmosphere.
I heard next day will gather 8 Mikoshis at Kitazawahachimanjinja shrine.
So I went next day too.
Naer shrine. A Mikoshi was going toward Shrine.
Inside Shrine. So many people!! And they were exited!!
Mikoshi climbs stairs! Exciting scene!
There were so many people and Mikoshis! It’s spectacle!
Kitzawa area is made from 8 areas. These Mikoshis represent them.
Later,Mikoshis go out to parade Shimokitazawa streets.
I took photos of carrier’s faces out of torii gate.
They are good expression!! So cool!
Children connect culture.
There were many women.
Slow shutter.Can you feel atmosphere??
Shimokitazawa is lively town.There are strong community.
And community is always open if only you are polite.
I was glad to see all generation,man and woman,Japanese and foreigner…all of them enjoy Matsuri!
Information
Nearest station:Shimokitazawa station/Odakyu line or Keio line
This festival is held first weekend on September.