Okuma Kabuto Festival

Overview

The Okumakabuto Matsuri (Okumakabuto Festival) is the grand festival of Kumakabutoarakashihiko Shrine, located in Nakajima-machi, Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Held annually on September 20th, it is also known as the "Kumakabuto Hatsuka Matsuri" (20th Day Festival) and was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan on January 21, 1981. According to the Cultural Heritage Online database, this event involves "young men carrying long, deep red woolen frame banners forming a yamahoko shape, exceeding ten ken in length, parading in conjunction with the portable shrine procession." The festival involves the main shrine and 19 branch shrines, taking the form of a gathering festival, a tradition that has been continuously inherited since the medieval period.

This festival has a unique character as it honors a deity from the Asian continent. The official Okumakabuto Matsuri website describes the festival as the grand festival of Kumakabutoarakashihiko Shrine, which enshrines a deity from the continent. The festival has a two-layer structure: the small festivals of each village's tutelary shrine and the large gathering festival centered on the main shrine. This tradition has been maintained unbroken since the Edo period. As the autumn harvest season approaches, the sound of gongs and drums can be heard from various villages throughout the town from the beginning to the end of September, plunging the entire region into a festival atmosphere.

History and Origins

The origins of the Okumakabuto Matsuri trace back to the founding of Kumakabutoarakashihiko Shrine. This shrine enshrines a deity from the ancient Korean Peninsula, suggesting that culture and beliefs brought from the continent took root in this area. According to the NPO Japan Festival Network, this festival is "an event where the spirits of 19 shrines in the Nakajima area pay homage once a year to the ancient Korean immigrant deity of Kumakabutoarahikashihiko Shrine." The form of gathering around a deity from the continent is a notable characteristic of Japan's unique festival traditions.

The name "20th Day Festival" derives from the fact that the festival is held annually on September 20th. This date is believed to be deeply connected to the old lunar calendar, though detailed historical documents do not survive. The Nanao City official website explains that this festival is "a gathering festival where villages gather around the main shrine, which has had a venerable history since the medieval period." Since the Edo period, this tradition has been passed down continuously and has been maintained without interruption to the present day.

One tradition is preserved regarding the name of the festival's highlight, "Shimada-kuzushi." According to the NPO Japan Festival Network, the name originated from an incident where a flag, as it was lowered while passing under a large honey locust tree, struck the head of a village girl watching the festival, causing her Shimada hairstyle to collapse. From this story, the name "Shimada-kuzushi" was born, and it is said that in the past, it was even said that a village that could not perform this technique well would not be given a bride.

The festival continued without interruption even after the war, but it has experienced cancellations due to natural disasters. In 2022, the festival was officially canceled on September 19th due to the approach of Typhoon No. 14. The official Okumakabuto Matsuri website reported the cancellation of the September 20, 2022 festival. However, the festival was scheduled to be held as usual on September 20, 2025, and the pamphlet for the 2025 edition has been completed.

Highlights

The Imposing Procession From early morning, each branch shrine decorates its portable shrine and departs from its village along with the heihaku (offerings) that had been enshrined at the heihaku lodging. In the coastal village of Seran, a unique process is taken: the portable shrine is placed on a boat, and at the signal of sunrise, it travels from the Nishiura Bay of Nanao to the mouth of the Kumaki River. According to the Nanao City official website, the processions of all branch shrines line up for several hundred meters in front of the shrine, and the entry into the shrine grounds begins in order of arrival. This spectacle continues for over two hours in the morning, stirring the crowd into a frenzy of excitement.

The Wild Dance of Sarutahiko Sarutahiko, wearing a tengu mask, appears as the guide for each branch shrine. When all portable shrines have entered the main hall, the heihaku-sai (offering ceremony) begins, and the Sarutahiko of each branch shrine dances wildly throughout the shrine grounds. The official Okumakabuto Matsuri website describes this dance as "young men beating gongs and drums, to which Sarutahiko dances wildly throughout the entire shrine grounds." The power of Sarutahiko's nimble dance and the synchronized drumming, as 38 pairs of gongs and drums advance in two rows, is one of the festival's highlights.

The Crimson Frame Banners The deep red woolen frame banners, approximately 20 meters high, are the iconic symbol of this festival. The Cultural Heritage Online database describes these frame banners as "long, deep red woolen frame banners forming a yamahoko shape, exceeding ten ken in length." Known as a festival of frame banners found only in this region of Japan, the sight of strong young men shouldering these large banners and parading is truly magnificent.

Shimada-kuzushi At the otabisho (resting place) known as Kamo-para, the grand technique of "Shimada-kuzushi" is performed, where the frame banners are tilted until they almost touch the ground. The Nanao City official website explains this technique as "rapid circling and tilting the frame banners until they are almost touching the ground," and identifies it as the moment when the festival reaches its climax. The scene of dozens of crimson frame banners reflected against the green mountains, with the golden portable shrines lined up in a row, is splendid and gorgeous.

The Procession at the Otabisho From around 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the procession is held at the otabisho of Kamo-para. According to the schedule page of the official Okumakabuto Matsuri website, this procession is conducted in two groups, circling to the left. After the main shrine's portable shrine departs, the processions of the branch shrines follow, with the last branch shrine leaving the shrine grounds around 2:00 PM. The sight of the frame banners reflected against the green mountains leaves a deep impression on visitors.

The Sound of Gongs and Drums The sound of gongs and drums echoes throughout the festival. The official Okumakabuto Matsuri website describes the processions of the branch shrines entering the main shrine "with shouts of 'Iyasaka-sa' and the lively sounds of gongs and drums." The power of 38 pairs of gongs and drums being struck simultaneously is one of the most important elements of the festival. Particularly during the heihaku-sai ceremony, the sight of the heihaku messenger weaving between the two rows of gongs and drums is a highlight.

Event Information and Access

1. Event Date: Annually on September 20th (fixed date). For the latest schedule and whether the event will be held, please check the official Okumakabuto Matsuri website or the Nanao City official website.

2. Venue: Kumakabutoarakashihiko Shrine (Kumakabuto Shrine) and the otabisho at Kamo-para. The address is Miyamae, Nakajima-machi, Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture. The Nanao City official website states that Kamo-para, located 700 meters from the shrine, is the otabisho.

3. Access (Public Transportation): Get off at Noto Railway Nanao Line "Noto-Nakajima Station." From the station, it is about a 4-minute walk to Kumakabutoarakashihiko Shrine, and about a 15-minute walk to the otabisho at Kamo-para. According to the access page of the official Okumakabuto Matsuri website, shuttle buses will operate on the day. Shuttle buses from Noto-Nakajima Station start at 9:05 AM, with the last departure at 1:40 PM. Shuttle buses from the Nakajima Festival Hall start at 9:20 AM, with the last departure at 2:50 PM.

4. Access (Car): The nearest interchange is "Yokota IC" on the Noto Toll Road. Temporary parking lots will be available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on the festival day. Parking lots are available at Nakajima Elementary School, the Nakajima District Community Center Kumaki Branch, and the Nakajima Festival Hall parking lot. The access page of the official Okumakabuto Matsuri website states that shuttle buses from the Nakajima District Community Center start at 8:00 AM, and those from the Festival Hall start at 8:30 AM. Use of the shuttle buses to the venue is recommended.

5. Admission: Viewing from the roadside is free. The availability of paid viewing seats may vary year by year, so please refer to official announcements. The festival itself is a public event with no general fee structure, but separate announcements will be made for any special events.

6. Contact Information: Kumakabutoarakashihiko Shrine (Phone: 0767-66-0135, confirmed on the NPO Japan Festival Network website). Nanao City Tourism and Exchange Promotion Division (Phone: 0767-53-8424, confirmed on the Nanao City official website) also provides information.

Surrounding Area Information

Nakajima-machi, Nanao City, is a nature-rich area located in the central part of the Noto Peninsula. The area along the Kumaki River, which serves as the stage for the Okumakabuto Matsuri, is surrounded by lush green mountains. In autumn, the scenery is adorned with blooming spider lilies (Lycoris radiata). The NPO Japan Festival Network describes the scene as "offering a unique charm when viewed through the spider lilies." This area is served by the Noto Railway Nanao Line, with a compact townscape centered around Noto-Nakajima Station.

Around Nakajima-machi, there are many tourist spots representative of the Noto Peninsula. Notojima Island, in particular, is a tourist destination connected by the Wakura Onsen and Notojima Ohashi Bridge, offering attractions such as an aquarium and glass craft experiences. Nanao City center has cultural facilities such as Nanao Castle Ruins and Nanao Art Museum, allowing visitors to experience the history and culture of Noto. Many tourists combine the festival with a full experience of autumn in the Noto Peninsula.

The otabisho, Kamo-para, is a square located on the riverbed of the Kumaki River. During the procession here, the scene of dozens of crimson frame banners reflected against the green mountains unfolds. The official Okumakabuto Matsuri website describes this scene as "the crimson frame banners reflected against the green mountains, with the golden portable shrines lined up in a row, a splendid and gorgeous sight." As the sun sets toward the end of the festival, this landscape becomes even more beautiful.

Related Information

1. Cultural Property Designation: On January 21, 1981, the "Kumakabuto Hatsuka Matsuri no Wakubata Gyōji" (Frame Banner Event of the Kumakabuto 20th Day Festival) was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. This can be confirmed on the Cultural Heritage Online database. The preservation organization is the "Okumakabuto Matsuri Hōsankai" (Okumakabuto Festival Support Association).

2. Similar Festivals: In the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture, there are several frame banner festivals similar to the Okumakabuto Matsuri. In particular, the "Kiriko Matsuri" held in various parts of the Noto Peninsula shares similarities in carrying large lanterns, but the Okumakabuto Matsuri holds a unique position as a daytime frame banner event.

3. Origin of Shimada-kuzushi: The name "Shimada-kuzushi" is said to have originated from an incident where a flag, as it was lowered while passing under a large honey locust tree, struck the head of a village girl watching the festival, causing her Shimada hairstyle to collapse. The NPO Japan Festival Network reports that this story is passed down, and it was even said that "in the past, it was said that a village that could not perform 'Shimada-kuzushi' well would not be given a bride."

4. Structure of the Gathering Festival: The Okumakabuto Matsuri takes the form of a "gathering festival" where portable shrines from 19 branch shrines enter the main shrine. The official Okumakabuto Matsuri website explains this as "a 'gathering festival' where villages gather around the main shrine, which has had a venerable history since the medieval period." This form is a valuable example that conveys the organization of shrine communities since medieval Japan to the present day.

5. Cases of Cancellation: In 2022, the festival was canceled due to the influence of Typhoon No. 14. The official Okumakabuto Matsuri website reported that the Okumakabuto Matsuri Hōsankai officially decided to cancel on September 19th. As cancellations due to natural disasters can occur, checking the latest information is recommended.

6. Sources of Official Information: The latest event information can be confirmed on the official Okumakabuto Matsuri website (https://okumakabuto.jp/) or the Nanao City official website (https://www.city.nanao.lg.jp/). The Nanao City Tourism and Exchange Promotion Division (Phone: 0767-53-8424) also provides information.

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