Mikoshi - Battle Day

Before the battle begins, the Mikoshi is blessed at the Shinto Shrine and prepared for battle. Any decorations that can cause damage to contestants are removed.

Children have their own Mikoshi

The Mikoshi is retunred from its overnight stay at the mall

Aki Matsuri & Mikoshi's

Look but do not touch

A high school Mikoshi on parade

Aki Matsuri & Mikoshi's

 

Every movement of the Mikoshi is orchestrated. It is a unifying event. The group must work as one. The ritual parade's leading up to the battle of the Mikoshi's helps the group prepare for battle. It's quite a social event.

Aki Matsuri - Fall Festival

The fall festival, of which, the Mikoshi is the focal point, occurs over several days, leading up to the combat of the competing Mikoshi's, which will happen in a local park.

It is a competition in which the winner has bragging rights for the year.

The first day of the festival, after the dedication and celebration of sake, the Mikoshi's are carried to a local mall for display.

Mikoshi on Parade

Aki Matsuri - Fall Festival - Starts with Prayer Offering

The local Shinto Priestess offers prayers to the god residing at the Shrine. After the prayer, ceremonial drums of sake are opened and consumed in square wooden cups. Then the Mikoshi is put on parade with music, chanting and singing.