Hyakumangoku Matsuri

Overview

The Hyakumangoku Festival is Kanazawa City's largest celebration, held annually on the first weekend of June in Ishikawa Prefecture. This festival commemorates the entry of Maeda Toshiie, the founder of the Kaga domain, into Kanazawa Castle on June 14, 1583, an event that laid the foundation for the city's prosperity. The main event, the Hyakumangoku Parade, is a grand procession that travels from the east exit of Kanazawa Station to Kanazawa Castle Park over approximately four hours, attracting numerous tourists each year.

The current Hyakumangoku Festival originated from a commerce and industry festival first held in 1952 by Kanazawa City and the Kanazawa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It has since evolved into its present form, featuring the spectacular Hyakumangoku Parade and various traditional events that have been passed down for over 400 years. The term "Hyakumangoku" means "one million koku of rice," a reference to the wealth and power of the Kaga domain ruled by the Maeda family.

History and Origins

The roots of the Hyakumangoku Festival can be traced back to the "Oyama Festival" organized by the Oyama Shrine Supporters' Association from 1923 to 1945. This festival was held in conjunction with the Hokoku Festival at Oyama Shrine and served as an important local event in Kanazawa City. However, after the end of World War II, the festival was suspended for six years from 1946 under the direction of the occupying forces.

The direct predecessor of the current festival is the "Commerce and Industry Festival" that began in 1952, organized by Kanazawa City and the Kanazawa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This festival was initiated to promote economic recovery and regional revitalization in post-war Kanazawa. While the initial focus was on commercial promotion, historical elements were gradually incorporated, leading to the development of the magnificent parade seen today.

In 1984, the 33rd edition of the festival marked the first time a professional actor was cast in the role of Maeda Toshiie, the main character of the Hyakumangoku Parade. This casting decision helped the festival grow into a major early-summer event promoted nationwide. Since then, it has become a tradition for a well-known actor to play the role of Lord Toshiie, drawing media attention each year.

The historical event at the core of the festival is the entry of Maeda Toshiie into Kanazawa Castle on June 14, 1583. This date is based on the records of Oyama Shrine, and the Maeda family subsequently ruled the Kaga domain as lords of one million koku for approximately 280 years. The festival commemorates this historic entry and honors the achievements of the Maeda family in building the foundation of Kanazawa.

Highlights

The Hyakumangoku Parade The Hyakumangoku Parade is the biggest highlight of the festival, featuring thousands of participants in a spectacular procession. The parade is led by a music procession, followed by a children's lantern and drum parade, a lion dance procession, the Kaga Tobi ladder-climbing performance, a servant procession, the Oyama Shrine imperial palanquin, and finally the main procession of Maeda Toshiie and Lady O-Matsu. The sight of the actor playing Toshiie on horseback, leading participants dressed as 16th-century samurai, nobles, and princesses, creates a powerful impression of a historical scroll coming to life.

Celebrity Casting for Toshiie and O-Matsu Roles Each year, a famous actor portrays Maeda Toshiie, entertaining the crowds along the parade route. The roles of Lord Toshiie and Lady O-Matsu are customarily played by well-known actors, and the cast draws attention each year (please check the official website for the latest casting). The casting of actors began in 1984, significantly contributing to the festival's national recognition. Crowds line the streets, many with cameras ready, hoping to catch a glimpse of the lavishly costumed Lord Toshiie and Lady O-Matsu.

Entry Celebration Ceremony When the parade arrives at the Sannomaru Plaza in Kanazawa Castle Park, the entry of Toshiie is celebrated with historical reenactments and lion dancing. This "Entry Celebration Ceremony" recreates the scene of Maeda Toshiie's entry into Kanazawa Castle in 1583 and serves as the climax of the festival. At the plaza, accompanied by taiko drum performances, the actors playing Toshiie and O-Matsu perform a dramatic reenactment of the entry, allowing the audience to feel as if they are witnessing a page of history come alive.

Hyakumangoku Dancing Parade On Saturday evening, the Hyakumangoku Dancing Parade features over 12,000 people dressed in traditional yukata dancing along Kanazawa's main streets. This event includes a zone where spectators can spontaneously join the dance, enhancing the sense of festival unity. The sight of dancers in yukata moving through the night streets, a stark contrast to the daytime parade, has become a beloved summer tradition in Kanazawa.

Hyakumangoku Noh Performance by Torchlight On Saturday night, an outdoor Noh performance is held by torchlight. Noh is a traditional performing art deeply rooted in Kanazawa, offering a glimpse into the culture that has continued since the Kaga domain era. The ethereal world of Noh performed in the flickering light of torches transports viewers to a realm beyond the ordinary. This performance is typically held at historic venues such as Kanazawa Castle Park or Kenrokuen Garden.

Hyakumangoku Tea Ceremony Tea ceremony gatherings hosted by the Omotesenke, Urasenke, and the Great Japan Tea Ceremony Society are held at Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park. Kanazawa is a city where tea ceremony culture has flourished, and these gatherings aim to continue the traditions from the Kaga domain period. Enjoying a bowl of matcha in the garden setting offers a moment of tranquility amidst the festival's bustle. The tea ceremony is held on both Saturday and Sunday, attracting many visitors.

Event Information and Access

1. Dates: Typically held from Friday to Sunday in early June (the period varies by year, so please check the official website for the latest schedule). The main Hyakumangoku Parade takes place on Saturday afternoon.

2. Main Venues: The primary venues are Kanazawa Castle Park, the area around Kenrokuen Garden, and central Kanazawa City. The parade starts from the East Plaza in front of Kanazawa Station and ends at Kanazawa Castle Park (Sannomaru Plaza).

3. Access by Train: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa Station. It takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo Station and about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Osaka Station via the Thunderbird limited express. Since the parade starts from the east exit of Kanazawa Station, arriving by train is the most convenient option.

4. Access by Car: Driving is not recommended. Large-scale traffic restrictions are enforced in central Kanazawa on the day of the parade, so it is advisable to park at the large parking lot at the west exit of Kanazawa Station and walk, or use the park-and-ride system from suburban areas.

5. Traffic Restrictions: The parade route (Kanazawa Station East Exit to Musashi-ga-tsuji, Korinbo, Hizaka, Kanazawa Castle Park) will be closed to vehicular traffic from the afternoon until the evening. It is essential to check the traffic restriction map on the official website in advance.

6. Contact Information: The Hyakumangoku Festival Executive Committee (Kanazawa City Tourism Policy Division) can be reached at 076-220-2194. Always check the official website for the latest schedule and implementation status.

Nearby Information

The areas around the festival venues include the adjacent Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden, both major tourist attractions. Kenrokuen is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, a strolling-style garden built by the lords of the Kaga domain. During the festival, the Hyakumangoku Tea Ceremony is held within Kenrokuen, allowing visitors to enjoy matcha amidst historic landscapes. Additionally, events such as the Entry Celebration Ceremony and Torchlight Noh are held at Kanazawa Castle Park, providing a blend of castle architecture and festival atmosphere.

Around Kanazawa Station stands the Tsuzumimon Gate, the starting point of the Hyakumangoku Parade. The Tsuzumimon Gate is a modern-design gate at the east exit of Kanazawa Station, inspired by the tsuzumi drum used in Noh theater. Energetic taiko drum performances at the front of the gate mark the beginning of the parade, exciting the crowd. The station area is lined with numerous restaurants and souvenir shops, allowing visitors to enjoy Kanazawa's food culture before and after the festival.

The central Kanazawa areas of Musashi-ga-tsuji and Korinbo are along the parade route and are also suitable for shopping and dining. Musashi-ga-tsuji is close to Omicho Market, known as Kanazawa's kitchen, where shops offer fresh seafood and dishes featuring Kaga vegetables. Korinbo is a bustling district with department stores and shops, convenient for visiting after viewing the parade. These areas are subject to traffic restrictions on the day of the parade, so walking is recommended.

Related Information

1. Official Website: The official website of the Hyakumangoku Festival is http://100mangoku.net/, which provides the latest schedule and detailed information about the parade. It is operated by the executive committee and regularly updates traffic restriction information.

2. Maeda Toshiie and the Kaga Domain: Maeda Toshiie (1537-1599) was a warrior who served Oda Nobunaga and later became the first lord of the Kaga domain. The Kaga domain was ruled by the Maeda family for approximately 280 years and controlled a vast territory that included present-day Ishikawa Prefecture. The term "Hyakumangoku" symbolizes the wealth and cultural richness of the Kaga domain.

3. Kaga Lion Dance: The Kaga lion dance that appears in the Hyakumangoku Parade is a traditional performing art designated as a cultural property. Unlike lion dances from other regions, the Kaga lion features a large head and a long body. In the parade, the lion dance moves dynamically, believed to bring good fortune to the spectators along the route.

4. Kaga Tobi Procession: The Kaga Tobi procession, with participants in spirited happi coats, carries on the tradition of fire brigades from the past. They perform feats such as ladder climbing, captivating the audience. This procession originates from the activities of town fire brigades during the Kaga domain period, expressing a strong awareness of fire prevention.

5. Children's Lantern and Drum Parade: This parade features local children walking with lanterns and drums, encouraging the participation of the generation that will carry on the festival in the future. The event aims to pass on traditional culture, with many children taking part each year. The sight of lantern lights illuminating the night streets evokes a warm, festival atmosphere.

6. Minyo Hanagoyomi: Held on Sunday, this stage event showcases folk songs and dances from Ishikawa Prefecture. Local folk song preservation societies and dance groups perform, introducing the region's traditional arts to a wide audience. There are areas where spectators can participate, making it an engaging event.

7. Kaga Hyakumangoku "Bon Shogatsu": This event is held at the Sannomaru Plaza in Kanazawa Castle Park over the three days of the festival, originating from customs of the Kaga domain period. Stage performances and food stalls line the area, attracting families throughout the festival period. The name "Bon Shogatsu" implies celebrating both the summer Bon festival and the New Year at once.

8. Kaga Tobi Ladder-Climbing: The ladder-climbing feat, inheriting the tradition of the Kaga Tobi firefighters, is one of the highlights of the Hyakumangoku Parade. The acrobatic performance atop a tall ladder conveys the spirit of Edo-period firefighters to the present day. It is a powerful act that draws the full attention of the spectators.

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