Kasedori

What Is Kasedori?

Kasedori is a Little New Year folk festival held each year on 11 February in Kaminoyama, Yamagata Prefecture. Young men don a straw raincoat-like garment called a kendai pulled completely over the head, taking on the strange appearance of a bird, and parade through the town dancing to the distinctive chant of "kakka-kā no kakka-kā." Onlookers along the route splash them with water in celebration. It is known as a spirited yet humorous rite of fire prevention and prosperity in business, distinctive to a snow country of bitter cold.

History and Origins

Kasedori is said to be a Little New Year event continuing since the Edo period, rooted in folk beliefs of the Kaminoyama region that pray for fire prevention, abundant harvests, and prosperity in business. Although it lapsed for a time, it was revived in the Shōwa era through the efforts of local people and has been carefully handed down to the present. The figures clad in straw are regarded as messengers of the gods or sacred birds, thought to drive away misfortune and invite good fortune as they make their rounds through the town. It is protected as an intangible folk cultural property of Kaminoyama.

Highlights

The greatest attraction is the dreamlike yet comical sight of the Kasedori, in their distinctive straw kendai, dancing through the snowy town. The high point of the rite comes as onlookers along the route douse the Kasedori with cold water while they dance to chants of "kakka-kā" and hand-clapping. The sight of them continuing to dance even when drenched in sub-zero cold is full of intensity, and splashing the water is said to bring the benefits of fire prevention and prosperity in business. It is a festival of bitter cold unique to snow country, woven from snow, straw, and water.

When It Takes Place

The festival is held each year on 11 February around Kaminoyama Castle and in the city center of Kaminoyama, Yamagata Prefecture. As a winter Little New Year event, its season is winter. Because it takes place in the depths of winter, ample protection against the cold is necessary when viewing. Visitors are advised to confirm the latest dates and viewing information through official announcements from Kaminoyama City and the local tourism association.

Access

The area around Kaminoyama Castle is within walking distance of Kaminoyama-Onsen Station on the JR Ōu Main Line (Yamagata Shinkansen). Located south of Yamagata City and served as a Yamagata Shinkansen stop, it is conveniently reached directly from the Tokyo area. As there is snow in winter, it is wise to prepare proper footwear.

Around the Area

Kaminoyama is a castle town and hot-spring town known for Kaminoyama Onsen, cherished as a celebrated spa with a long history since its opening. The reconstructed Kaminoyama Castle serves as a local history museum, and a stroll through the former castle town is also enjoyable. In the deep snow of winter, visitors can warm themselves slowly in the hot springs, savoring the spa atmosphere of snow country together with the Kasedori festival. It is also convenient as a base for viewing the frost-covered trees of the Zaō mountains.

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