Katsuura Autumn Festival

Overview

The Katsuura Tairyo Matsuri (Katsuura Bountiful Catch Festival) is an annual autumn festival held over four days in September in Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture. Centered on the festivals of Toyomisaki Shrine and Hachiman Shrine, the event features approximately 19 portable shrines (mikoshi) and decorated floats (yatai and dashi) from nine districts of the Katsuura area. The festival is a prayer for a bountiful catch, maritime safety, and the prosperity of the local community, and all roadside viewing is free of charge.

The festival has a complex structure. The hamlet of Hamakatsuura (often called Hama-ku), a parishioner of Toyomisaki Shrine, and the three towns of Katsuura (Kamihoncho, Nakahoncho, Shimohoncho) each take responsibility for mikoshi processions or pulling floats. Demizu-ku, a parishioner of Shinmei Shrine, also participates with its own dashi float. The mikoshi in each district are classified by size: o-mikoshi (large), naka-mikoshi (medium), and ko-mikoshi (small), with the sacred spirit (mitama) traditionally enshrined in the o-mikoshi. The highlight of the festival is the "Funawatashi" (Boat Crossing of the Mikoshi) held on the final day at Katsuura Fishing Port, a rare Shinto ritual where the mikoshi is passed from boat to boat lined up like a bridge from the quay.

History and Origin

The origins of the Katsuura Tairyo Matsuri are said to date back to the late Edo period. Originally, the autumn festivals of the various fishing villages and districts in Katsuura were held on different schedules, but in 1979 (Showa 54), the dates and name were unified into the "Katsuura Tairyo Matsuri." This unification linked the festivals of Toyomisaki Shrine and Hachiman Shrine into a single series of events, forming the foundation of its current form.

At the core of the festival is the fishermen's deep faith in giving thanks to the sea gods and praying for a bountiful catch and safety at sea. A tradition passed down through generations tells of a great tsunami that struck Katsuura in 1601 (Keicho 6), washing away the shrine building of Toyomisaki Shrine and carrying the sacred spirit to Takaiso. A resident who found the spirit is said to have run while shouting "Daimyojin, Daimyojin!" which is believed to be the origin of the "Denmyori" chant and running seen in the festival today. This story is still told as a mythical foundation for the region.

The festival schedule has changed over time. Until 2006, it was fixed for four days from September 12th to 15th. However, since 2007, it has been held over four days ending on Respect for the Aged Day (the third Monday of September). This change fixed the days of the week, making it easier for a wider range of people to participate.

The mikoshi from each district include some that have been passed down for generations and others that were revived, such as the large "Myojin-sama no Omikoshi" of Hamakatsuura-ku, which was restored in 2008 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Katsuura City's incorporation. This demonstrates the festival's important role in preserving the historical memory and identity of the local community.

Highlights

Funawatashi (Boat Crossing of the Mikoshi)

The Funawatashi, performed by Hamakatsuura-ku on the fourth day, is the most famous Shinto ritual symbolizing the Katsuura Tairyo Matsuri. Fishing boats are lined up sideways against the quay, forming a bridge, and the mikoshi is carried from boat to boat to the rearmost vessel. This ritual originates from the story of searching for the sacred spirit washed away by the tsunami of 1601, and today it is performed to pray for maritime safety and a bountiful catch. The order of the boats is determined by lottery on the day, and if a new boat is present, it is automatically placed at the end. The fishing boat carrying the mikoshi then circles Katsuura Port three times counterclockwise and sails to the torii gate offshore to offer sacred sake to the sea, creating a spectacular climax to the festival.

The "Denmyori" Chant and Running

The chant used by mikoshi bearers is not the common "Wasshoi" but the unique "Hora, Dairyo." This is said to be a corruption of "Hora Tairyo" (Look, a big catch), directly linking the festival to prayers for a bountiful harvest from the sea. The "Denmyori" refers to the vigorous running of bearers carrying the mikoshi to Toyomisaki Shrine after the sacred spirit has been extracted, a practice rooted in the events of 1601. This chant and dash create a sense of ritual intensity and elevate the festival's excitement.

Convergence of Mikoshi, Yatai, and Dashi Floats

On the third day, the Katsuura Central Shopping Street becomes the stage for the historic yatai and dashi floats belonging to the three towns of Katsuura and Demizu-ku. These floats are designated as tangible cultural properties by Katsuura City, underscoring their historical value. The sight of these floats facing each other at intersections while competing in bayashi (festival music) performances showcases the festival's elegance and tradition. This offers a contrasting, more graceful atmosphere compared to the powerful mikoshi processions.

Murumawari (Village Circuit) by Each District

On the first day, the festival begins with "Murumawari," where each district parades its mikoshi within its own neighborhood. This includes the yoimatsuri (evening festival) in Kushihama and Matsube districts, marking the official start of the celebration. The mikoshi circuits aim to purify and bless homes, praying for a good harvest and catch. This village circuit is an important Shinto ritual that reaffirms community bonds and unites the gods with the residents. Paying attention to the subtly different carrying styles, chants, and costumes of each district provides a deeper understanding of the festival's diversity.

Bearers' Attire: The Koshi-nawa (Waist Rope)

A distinctive custom for mikoshi bearers is to wear a shimenawa (sacred straw rope) made of new straw around their waists, called "koshi-nawa." This is worn to pray for a bountiful harvest and a good catch, and in the past, bearers would buy them at the morning market. This attire reflects the customs unique to a fishing town and shows how deeply the festival is connected to daily life. The image of bearers in white attire (hakusho) and koshi-nawa emphasizes the solemn and ancient nature of the rituals.

Joint Festival Ceremony and General Carrying

On the second day, the "Katsuura City Autumn Joint Festival Ceremony" is scheduled at the Tonan Municipal Parking Lot. During this ceremony, the mikoshi from all districts gather, and after the ceremony, each district presents its mikoshi and songs. Notable performances include the "Taikukuguri" (passing through the womb) by Kushihama-ku and the "Sokatsugi" (general carrying) by Tonan-ku, which showcase the bearers' skill and spirit. The sight of 19 mikoshi gathered in one place is truly impressive and is a major highlight of the festival.

Access and Event Information

• Dates: Annually held for four days ending on Respect for the Aged Day (third Monday of September). Please check the official website for the latest schedule and confirmation of events. Dates are not provided for specific years to avoid outdated information.
• Location: Katsuura Fishing Port, Toyomisaki Shrine, Kawazu Shrine, Katsuura Central Shopping Street, and throughout the Katsuura city area.
• Access (Train): About a 5-minute walk from Katsuura Station on the JR Sotobo Line.
• Access (Car): Approximately 40 minutes from the Tsurumai IC on the Ken-O Expressway. However, as no official parking is provided for visitors, the use of public transportation is strongly recommended.
• Admission: Viewing from the roadside is free. The event does not permanently set up paid reserved seats; fees, if any, are subject to annual changes, so please refer to the official announcement.
• Contact: Katsuura City Tourism and Commerce Division (Phone: 0470-73-6641).
• Important Note: The management and implementation of the Joint Festival Ceremony on the second day may vary annually. As the ceremony was cancelled in 2023 and 2024, visitors are strongly advised to check the latest information on the official Katsuura City tourism website or the Katsuura Tourism Association website before visiting.

Nearby Information

Katsuura Fishing Port is a major landing point for tuna, and the Katsuura Port Market, known as the "Katsuura Morning Market," is a popular attraction. During the festival period, the area is especially lively, bustling with tourists seeking fresh seafood. Numerous restaurants specializing in tuna dishes line the area around the port, offering visitors a chance to enjoy local cuisine during breaks from the festival.

Toyomisaki Shrine is one of the central shrines of the festival and features a prominent stone staircase of about 60 steps. On the final day of the festival, the mikoshi is pulled up these stairs enshrined in the main hall. From the top of the stairs, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Katsuura city and the Pacific Ocean, offering a serene contrast to the festival's excitement.

The site of Katsuura Castle has been developed as Yatsuhazaki Park, which also contains Hachiman Shrine, another site related to the festival. The Katsuura City Museum is located within the park, where visitors can learn about the history and culture of the festival. The coastal promenade offers spectacular views, making it an ideal place for a stroll during the festival.

Related Information

• Number of Mikoshi: A total of 19 mikoshi are typically brought out from nine districts (Tonan, Shingu, Sawara, Kawazu, Kushihama, Matsube, Katsuura, Hamakatsuura, and Demizu).
• Unique Chant: The bearers chant "Hora, Dairyo" instead of the more common "Wasshoi." This is believed to be a corruption of "Hora Tairyo" (Look, a big catch).
• Cultural Property: The three festival floats and two account books (Daifukucho) owned by the Katsuura district are designated as tangible cultural properties (structures) by Katsuura City.
• Origin of "Denmyori": The term originates from the resident who, after finding the sacred spirit washed away by the 1601 tsunami, ran shouting "Daimyojin, Daimyojin!"
• Funawatashi Rules: The mikoshi is loaded onto the boat from the port side (called torikaji) and is also unloaded from the same port side.
• Origins and Unification: The festival is said to have begun in the late Edo period with fishermen praying for a bountiful catch and safety. The rituals from different districts were unified in 1979 under the name Katsuura Tairyo Matsuri.
• Preliminary Rite: The annual Myojinko ceremony, which determines the course of the festival, is held on January 11th.

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