Higashi-nagare

Overview

Higashi-ryu is one of the seven streams (nagare) that compose the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, held in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City. The Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a summer ritual of Kushida Shrine, held annually from July 1 to July 15, and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. Higashi-ryu has a particularly deep history, formed through the merger of multiple former town groups, including the former Gofukumachi-ryu and former Higashimachi-ryu.

The kashiki-yamakasa of Higashi-ryu often features themes of martial valor and the expulsion of evil, such as the story of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro subduing the demon of Ise and Suzuka Mountain. Additionally, a decorative yamakasa is erected at the southeast corner of Gofukumachi intersection, maintained through the cooperation of local businesses and residents. Higashi-ryu stands as a vital embodiment of Hakata's history and culture, attracting many spectators each year.

History and Origins

The origins of Higashi-ryu are closely tied to the establishment of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa. The festival is believed to have begun during the Kamakura period when the priest Shoichi Kokushi, upon founding Shoten-ji Temple, rode on a platform offering food to hungry spirits and sprinkled water to pray for the end of plague. This practice evolved over time into the modern yamakasa form. Higashi-ryu was formed through the integration of several former streams, including Gofukumachi-ryu, Higashimachi-ryu, Kushida-ryu, Fukujin-ryu, and Oka-ryu.

Specifically, Higashi-ryu is composed of diverse areas such as Gokusyo 1-chome, 3-chome, and 4-chome (former Higashimachi-ryu), Tocho-ji Shindo (former Gofukumachi-ryu), Okunodo-machi (former Kushida-ryu), Kanayakoji (former Higashimachi-ryu), Kamiokeya-machi and Shimo-okeya-machi (former Kushida-ryu), Kitafuna-machi (former Higashimachi-ryu), and Kamifugen-do-machi (former Kushida-ryu). Furthermore, the Kanreki group includes Shimofugen-do-machi (former Kushida-ryu), Fugen-do-machi (former Kushida-ryu), Uo-machi (former Fukujin-ryu), Kamihigashi-machi and Shimohigashi-machi (former Higashimachi-ryu), Kamihamaguchi-machi and Nakahamaguchi-machi (former Higashimachi-ryu), Kagami-machi (former Higashimachi-ryu), and Ekimae (former Oka-ryu). This complex composition reflects the history of Hakata's urban development and the merging of town districts.

The decorative yamakasa of Higashi-ryu has been erected at the southeast corner of Gofukumachi intersection since 1982. Prior to that, the kashiki-yamakasa was placed in the same location under a rotating system among the towns. When the kashiki-yamakasa event begins, the platform with six fixed poles is pulled out, and different figures are displayed for the carrying. This location is a transportation hub in Hakata, ensuring high visibility.

The ninth president of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Promotion Association, Kiyozo Takita, belongs to Higashi-ryu. Additionally, in 2009, Sadaharu Oh, chairman of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks baseball team, served as the daijogari (special guest) for the group mountain viewing. This demonstrates that Higashi-ryu is connected not only to local history but also to modern Hakata culture and sports.

Highlights

The Dynamic Procession of the Kashiki-yamakasa The kashiki-yamakasa of Higashi-ryu is one of the most anticipated events during the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. On the morning of July 15 each year, it departs from Kushida Shrine as part of the Oi-yamakasa and races through the streets of Hakata. This procession is a prayer for the expulsion of plague and a bountiful harvest, and the sight of the bearers chanting and sprinting with the yamakasa is breathtaking.

The Ornate Figures of the Decorative Yamakasa The decorative yamakasa erected at the Gofukumachi intersection features a different theme each year. Figures depicting historical events or personalities are displayed, captivating viewers with their intricacy and beauty. The decorative yamakasa is sustained through donations from local businesses and residents, serving as a source of pride for the community.

The Meaning Behind Higashi-ryu's Theme The kashiki-yamakasa of Higashi-ryu sometimes uses the theme "Senju no Hikari wa Mononofu o Terasu," based on the Noh play "Tamura." This story recounts how Sakanoue no Tamuramaro subdued the demon of Ise and Suzuka Mountain, symbolizing prayers for the expulsion of economic hardship and illness. This theme reflects the aspirations of contemporary Hakata residents.

The Tradition of the Kanreki Group Within Higashi-ryu, there is a group called Kanreki, composed of individuals who have reached the age of 60. This group includes members from towns such as Shimofugen-do-machi and Uo-machi, playing a crucial role in preserving tradition. The members leverage their long experience to support the yamakasa events.

The Spectacular Performance at the Group Mountain Viewing Higashi-ryu presents particularly spectacular performances during the Shudan-yama-mise (group mountain viewing). Special guests are sometimes invited as daijogari, contributing to community revitalization. This event offers a valuable opportunity to experience the power of the yamakasa up close.

A Symbol of Community Cohesion The management of Higashi-ryu is sustained by strong community bonds. The role of general affairs and officers rotates annually, with many volunteers participating. This cohesion demonstrates the strength of community ties in Hakata.

Event Information and Access

• Event Period: Annually from July 1 to July 15. Check the official website for the latest schedule and event status.
• Location: Gofukumachi intersection area (decorative yamakasa site), Hakata Ward. The procession route covers the entire Hakata area.
• Access: Approximately 5 minutes walk from Gion Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line. Alternatively, take a Nishitetsu bus and get off at the Gofukumachi stop.
• Admission: Viewing from the roadside is free. Paid seating areas may be available near Kushida Shrine, but fees vary by year; refer to official announcements.
• Inquiries: Hakata Gion Yamakasa Promotion Association (within Kushida Shrine). Phone: 092-291-2951. Email: [email protected]. Note that phone and email responses may be limited during the festival period (July 1-15) and preparation period (June 1-30).
• Parking: Coin parking available nearby. However, traffic restrictions are in place during the festival, so using public transportation is recommended.

Nearby Information

The area around Gofukumachi intersection, where the decorative yamakasa of Higashi-ryu is located, is home to historical temples and commercial facilities. Within walking distance is Kushida Shrine, the main shrine of Hakata and the center of the yamakasa rituals. Kushida Shrine is a well-known tourist spot where visitors can experience Hakata's history, featuring attractions such as the "Power Stone" and the Ebisu Shrine.

Also nearby is Shoten-ji Temple, which is associated with Priest Shoichi Kokushi, the originator of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa. Established in the Kamakura period, Shoten-ji Temple tells the story of Hakata's history as a port town. The temple grounds contain a statue of Priest Shoichi and a monument recounting the origins of the yamakasa.

Furthermore, the Gofukumachi area is a commercial hub, with many shops and restaurants lining the streets. Kamikawabata Shopping Street, in particular, features stores selling Hakata specialties such as mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and Hakata ramen, making it popular among tourists. During the festival, these shops also decorate in support of the yamakasa, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Related Information

• The Hakata Gion Yamakasa Promotion Association oversees the seven streams, including Higashi-ryu, and has its office within Kushida Shrine.
• The kashiki-yamakasa of Higashi-ryu departs from Kushida Shrine as part of the Oi-yamakasa on July 15 each year, processing through the streets of Hakata for approximately five hours.
• The decorative yamakasa is erected at the southeast corner of Gofukumachi intersection and is open to the public during the festival period.
• Higashi-ryu is composed of approximately twelve town groups, including Gokusyo 1-chome, 3-chome, and 4-chome, Tocho-ji Shindo, Okunodo-machi, Kanayakoji, Kamiokeya-machi, Shimo-okeya-machi, Kitafuna-machi, and Kamifugen-do-machi.
• The Kanreki group plays an important role in passing down traditions, with members from towns such as Uo-machi and Kamihigashi-machi.
• The Hakata Gion Yamakasa is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, with a history spanning over 770 years.

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