Ohara Hadaka Matsuri

Overview

The Ohara Hadaka Matsuri is a traditional autumn festival held annually on September 23 and 24 in Isumi City (formerly Ohara Town), Chiba Prefecture. It is renowned as one of the most vigorous festivals in the Kanto region, with the purpose of praying for an abundant harvest and a bountiful catch of fish. Participants, known as bearers, wear black hand covers and leg wraps, white loincloths and belly bands, with sashes and headbands of different colors according to their shrine, and carry long morin poles (carrying poles) tucked under their arms as they run.

This festival is a large-scale event jointly conducted by portable shrines from a total of 18 shrines: 10 from the Ohara district (former Nakaiochi village), 6 from the Tokai district (former Tokai village), and 2 from the Namiwana district (former Naniwa village). On the first day, the "Shiofumi" (tide-stepping) event takes place, where over a dozen portable shrines are carried into the sea all at once. On the second day, the "Owakare-shiki" (Grand Farewell Ceremony) is held in the schoolyard of Ohara Elementary School. For local residents, this is the greatest annual entertainment, and as the elders say, "People would pawn anything to prepare for the festival," reflecting the deep passion invested in it.

History and Origins

No document clearly recording the origins of the Ohara Hadaka Matsuri has been found, but the oldest physical evidence is an ema (votive picture tablet) dedicated at the Takinomiya Shrine in Oi. This ema depicts the procession of 10 portable shrines in the Nakaiochi area (present-day Ohara district) and is dated to 1864 (the first year of the Genji era). Another ema bears a record from 1841 (the 12th year of the Tenpo era), indicating that the rituals and organization of the festival were already established over 160 years ago during the Tenpo period.

Even older historical materials survive: the roof of an old portable shrine at the Kashima Shrine in Kaishu bears the inscription "Carpenter, Kaishu Village, made this in the 3rd year of the Jokyo era (1686)." This suggests that shrine festivals have been held in the Ohara district for at least 300 years. In the Namiwana district, a memo listing offerings for the 75-seat ritual, which is still performed today at the Iwafune Hachiman Shrine and the Ozawa Suwa Shrine, survives with a date of 1275 (the Kenji era). This suggests that a festival already existed in the Muromachi period.

According to legend, the Kohama Hachiman Shrine in the Ohara district was originally branched from the Hachiman Shrine in the eastern district in 1145 (the first year of the Kanju era). If this tradition is true, then a festival has been held in this area for over 900 years. However, because no definitive documents exist, the official origin is often explained as the Edo period.

In 1973, at the opening ceremony of the National Athletic Meet (Wakashio Kokutai) held in Chiba Prefecture, portable shrines and bearers from this festival participated as an attraction. This event gave rise to the name "Ohara Hadaka Matsuri" and brought it to wider attention outside the immediate region. Subsequently, the festival was performed before the Emperor and Empress at the National Bountiful Seas Conference and participated in the National Sports and Recreation Festival, leading to extensive media coverage and national recognition.

Highlights

Shiofumi (Tide-Stepping) The Shiofumi is the festival's greatest highlight, held around 2:30 PM on the first day at Ohara Beach. Over a dozen portable shrines are carried into the Pacific Ocean all at once, where bearers jostle violently in the rough waves and hurl the shrines high into the air. This event is intended to pray for an abundant harvest and a good catch of fish, and the sight of the sea-faring men in their vigorous display is truly impressive. The scene of white breaking waves, bearers in black loincloths, and colorful portable shrines creates a spectacle worthy of being called one of the most spectacular in the Kanto region.

Five Grains Bountiful Harvest and Great Catch Prayer Festival (Two-Arrow Release Ceremony) The Five Grains Bountiful Harvest and Great Catch Prayer Festival is held at Ohara Fishing Port from around 1:30 PM on the first day. After 18 portable shrines gather at the port and run vigorously around the market with spirited shouts, the mayor of Isumi City performs the "Two-Arrow Release Ceremony" from the pier, shooting two arrows toward the sea. This ritual, originally transmitted at the Fukabori Takiguchi Shrine, is a sacred ceremony symbolizing prayers to the sea. At the moment the arrows are released, the entire port falls into silence, after which the fervor of the portable shrines returns.

Shopping Street Procession The shopping street procession takes place on both days from 5:00 PM, when portable shrines gather near the Kidoizumi Sake Brewery in Kitamachi and parade through the Ohara Central Shopping Street. Led by the shrine of the year, pairs of shrines proceed in the order of Ohara, Namiwana, and Tokai districts. The approximately one-kilometer shopping street becomes packed with people and portable shrines, transforming entirely into a festival zone. When friendly shrines line up together, bearers may engage in friendly singing competitions or have children sing, creating a warm atmosphere of community exchange as they proceed slowly.

Owakare-shiki (Grand Farewell Ceremony) The Owakare-shiki is held at the schoolyard of Ohara Elementary School from 6:00 PM on both days, forming the climax of the festival. After 18 portable shrines enter the schoolyard in pairs, they begin running vigorously, and at a signal from fireworks, pairs or trios of shrines draw close together while singing a farewell song. The lyrics of the song are "Wakemondomo, wakare ga tsurai, aute wakare ga nakerya yoi" (Parting is painful for us; if only we could meet without having to part), expressing deep emotion at the end of the festival. The silhouettes of shrines emerging in the darkness and the bearers' farewell songs evoke profound emotion.

Village Circuit The village circuit is a traditional event held on the morning of the second day, where portable shrines from each district tour their respective areas. Originally, this village circuit was the core of the festival, and the more elaborate rituals seen today are believed to have been added later. During the era of the warrior-farmer-merchant class, villagers were permitted to act with impunity, visiting fishing net owners' houses and manor houses that they could not normally enter, where they were treated to sake and food. Even today, invitations from fishing net owners, shops, and unions are common, and this tradition strengthens community bonds.

Hoaraku (Dedicated Performance) The Hoaraku is a ritual held on the morning of the first day from 8:30 AM, when the 10 shrines of the Ohara district gather at the Kashima Shrine in Kaishu, considered the "parent shrine." The Kashima Shrine in Kaishu, the Zoshiki Jitsugetsu Shrine, and the Takinomiya Shrine in Oi are known as the "Three Upper Seats," with a special connection, and these three families have historically decided on inter-shrine arrangements. After priests perform prayers, the portable shrines depart for their respective district shrines. This solemn ceremony marks the opening of the festival.

Event Information and Access

• Event Period: Generally held on September 23 (Autumnal Equinox Day) and September 24 for two days. Please check the official website for the latest schedule and whether the event will be held.
• Location: Isumi City, Chiba Prefecture. Main venues include Ohara Beach (Shiofumi), Ohara Fishing Port (Five Grains Bountiful Harvest and Great Catch Prayer Festival), Ohara Central Shopping Street (Shopping Street Procession), and Ohara Elementary School grounds (Owakare-shiki).
• Access (Train): Get off at JR Sotobo Line "Ohara Station." The venues are within walking distance (e.g., about 20 minutes on foot to Ohara Beach).
• Access (Car): Approximately 45 minutes from the "Ichihara Tsurumai IC" on the Ken-O Expressway via National Routes 297 and 465. Or approximately 20 minutes from the "Ichinomiya IC" on the Kujukuri Toll Road via the Kujukuri Beach Line and National Route 128. Parking is available at the Isumi City Hall Ohara Branch (7400-1 Ohara, Isumi City), but spaces are limited, so public transportation is recommended.
• Admission Fee: Viewing from the roadside is free of charge. No paid reserved seating is generally available, but details may vary by year, so please refer to official announcements.
• Contact Information: Ohara Hadaka Matsuri Executive Committee (Secretariat: Isumi City Hall, Fisheries, Commerce, and Tourism Division), Phone: 0470-62-1243. Isumi City Tourist Center, Phone: 0470-64-1111.
• Important Notes: Traffic regulations are enforced around the venues. Be careful of contact with portable shrines when they are parading on roads, and follow the instructions of police and security personnel. Drone flights are prohibited in and around the venues. Please take your trash home with you.
• Cancellation History: The festival was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2010, a lightning strike accident on the first day injured 34 people, leading to the cancellation of the second day. These were the first cancellation cases in the festival's history.

Surrounding Area Information

Isumi City is located in eastern Chiba Prefecture, facing the Pacific Ocean, and is blessed with rich natural surroundings. Ohara Beach is part of the Kujukuri Beach, known for its gentle slope and calm waves, attracting many beachgoers during the summer. Although the swimming season ends before the festival period in late September, the coastal area is ideal for walks and sunset viewing.

Around Ohara Station, there are various restaurants and accommodations. The "Isumi Railway" runs through the city, offering scenic views of rural landscapes along its route, making it popular for local train travel. The area around "Kuniyoshi Station" has seen an increase in cafes and galleries renovated from old folk houses, attracting tourists.

Beyond the Ohara Hadaka Matsuri, Isumi City has other attractions. Ohara Fishing Port has direct sales outlets for fresh seafood, which become particularly lively during the festival period. The "Michi-no-Eki Isumi" roadside station is also located in the city, where visitors can purchase local agricultural products and specialties. Additionally, neighboring Ichinomiya City offers historical spots such as "Ichinomiya Castle Ruins" and "Tamasaki Shrine," making it suitable for combined sightseeing with the festival.

Related Information

• Name Origin: The name "Ohara Hadaka Matsuri" became established after the festival's participation as an attraction at the 1973 Wakashio National Athletic Meet. Prior to that, it was simply called the "Ohara Festival."
• Number of Shrines and Composition: A total of 18 shrines participate: 10 from the Ohara district, 6 from the Tokai district, and 2 from the Namiwana district. Each shrine contributes 1 to 3 portable shrines. Bearers wear black hand covers and leg wraps, white loincloths and belly bands, with sashes and headbands of different colors according to their shrine.
• Reference Materials: Important materials for understanding the history of the Ohara Hadaka Matsuri include the ema dedicated in 1864 at the Takinomiya Shrine in Oi. Additionally, the document "Bososhi Shiryo Zokuhen" records rituals very similar to the current Hoaraku and Great Catch Prayer Festival.
• Access Information: During the festival period, walking from Ohara Station to each venue is the basic means of transportation. The areas around the station become particularly crowded during the Shiofumi and Owakare-shiki times, so please arrive with ample time.
• Safety Precautions: Following the lightning strike accident in 2010, the festival executive committee has strengthened safety measures in response to weather conditions. Decisions to cancel or suspend events may be made in case of severe weather, so please pay attention to weather forecasts on the day.
• Photography and Recording: It is possible to take photos and videos of the festival's powerful scenes, but please ensure you are in a safe position that does not inconvenience the bearers or other spectators. Avoid using flash photography as it may obstruct the bearers' vision.
• Related Links: The latest information can be confirmed on the Isumi City website (https://www.city.isumi.lg.jp/) and the Isumi City Tourism Association site (https://info.isumi-kankou.com/).

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