Jiyugaoka Mikoshi Festival
Today on the way to Jiyugaoka station, I came across this local gathering/celebration. I knew that it was a tradition of people carrying a portable shrine, because I remember TUJ offering an opportunity to participate in this tradition. I later looked up exactly what this event was and I found out!
It is called a Mikoshi festival, and it is a Japanese tradition of carrying a Mikoshi (small portable shrine) through the streets. The Jiyugaoka International Friendship Festival is one of the rare events in Japan where foreign residents can carry the Mikoshi. To participate, you have to be 14 or older and be able to speak French, English, or Japanese. They also provide you with a hanten jacket and tenugi towel. Afterwards, you can meet fellow participants at a free barbeque. :)
Shinto followers believe that the Mikoshi serves as the vehicle of a divine spirit in Japan at the time of a parade of deities.
I'm glad that I was able to observe this event. It's great to see a community come together and celebrate a great tradition and connect with each other. Carrying the Mikoshi has a Shinto background, but I think it has become more like a fun tradition for many Japanese citizens. I can't think of anything like this in the states. I wish we had more deep-rooted traditions like Japan does. Some churches in the states hold festivals, but it mainly consists of fairground rides and deep-fried food, haha.
At 00:00-00:48 and 7:23-7:40 in the following video you can see this traditon in action! :)
It is called a Mikoshi festival, and it is a Japanese tradition of carrying a Mikoshi (small portable shrine) through the streets. The Jiyugaoka International Friendship Festival is one of the rare events in Japan where foreign residents can carry the Mikoshi. To participate, you have to be 14 or older and be able to speak French, English, or Japanese. They also provide you with a hanten jacket and tenugi towel. Afterwards, you can meet fellow participants at a free barbeque. :)
Shinto followers believe that the Mikoshi serves as the vehicle of a divine spirit in Japan at the time of a parade of deities.
I'm glad that I was able to observe this event. It's great to see a community come together and celebrate a great tradition and connect with each other. Carrying the Mikoshi has a Shinto background, but I think it has become more like a fun tradition for many Japanese citizens. I can't think of anything like this in the states. I wish we had more deep-rooted traditions like Japan does. Some churches in the states hold festivals, but it mainly consists of fairground rides and deep-fried food, haha.
At 00:00-00:48 and 7:23-7:40 in the following video you can see this traditon in action! :)
Click to view