I was surprised by the unexpected usage! A wonderful Japanese festival using Japanese umbrellas
Cool JAPAN!! A beautiful Japanese festival where Japanese umbrellas are used
Japanese umbrellas were familiar to Japanese people until Western umbrellas became popular. Even in period dramas, samurai are depicted carrying umbrellas as part of their side jobs. Since Japanese umbrellas were created not only in Gifu but all over the country, Japanese umbrellas, which are part of daily life gadgets, appear at festivals in various places.
Nowadays, when it comes to Japanese umbrella events, there are many events that include illuminations and events where countless umbrellas are hung from the ceiling. This time it's a different perspective. Let's take a look at some surprising and wonderful ways to use Japanese umbrellas in traditional events across Japan.
*Note: Gifu Japanese umbrellas are not necessarily used.
Aomori/Yabusame (Yabusame) limited to female jockeys ``Sakura Yabusame''
The cherry blossom front finally reaches Aomori Prefecture. An archer dressed in a gorgeous kimono rides through a row of cherry blossom trees in full bloom and shoots three targets with a bow. All the shooters are women.
When you successfully hit the target, a woman standing next to the target suddenly opens her Japanese umbrella to notify the audience. The colors of Japanese umbrellas blooming like flowers, cherry blossoms in full bloom, and the excitement of Yabusame are the most beautiful and Japanese festivals.
Actually, I was surprised to hear that it is a relatively new festival that started in 2004. It will be held for the 21st time on April 13th and 14th, 2024.
Towada was once Japan's number one horse producing area, so this event is being held to revitalize the area.
I love the idea of using a Japanese umbrella as a prop to brush up on Japanese tradition.
For more information, please see the website of the Towada Yabusame Tourism Federation (I also borrowed the photo).
Towada Yabusame Tourism Federation
Kagoshima/What?! Burning Japanese umbrellas? “Sogadon’s Umbrella Burning”
This summer festival is considered one of Kagoshima's three major events. In 2014, it will be held in July.
Historical dramas depicting the end of the Edo period often show that Kagoshima has its own ``town-chu education.'' In order to convey the feeling of filial piety to one's parents, the famous story of the revenge of one's parents from the Kamakura period is reenacted. It also includes prayers to quell disasters caused by wind and floods. ``Soga Monogatari'' is one of Japan's three great battle stories, along with Chushingura. In the Kamakura period, in what is now Kanagawa Prefecture, the young Soga brothers lose their father in a territorial dispute, and as adults they seek revenge for their father. It is said that at that time, he burned an umbrella instead of a torch.
During the Edo period, Kagoshima suffered a lot of sacrifices when building an embankment on the Gifu river during Horeki flood control. In connection with this, Japanese umbrellas were sometimes presented at festivals from Gifu.
Kagoshima City Sightseeing Guide - Soga Don's Umbrella Grill
Gunma/Walk-in participation OK! “Kiryu Yagibushi Festival” where 500,000 people dance
Yagibushi, a traditional dance in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, includes a variety of dances in which people dance while holding an umbrella like this. Odori umbrellas also appear at the Kiryu Yagibushi Festival, which is held for three days starting on the first Friday of August. A very participatory festival where anyone can jump in and dance. More than 500,000 people will gather.
