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Kishiwada—an old castle town near Osaka—hosts one of the most impressive Japanese festivals. Huge and elaborately decorated wooden carts are pulled through the streets. Each carries a loud orchestra and a person who performs an expressive dance on the roof. But what really makes Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri special is the speed at which the floats are turned at at crossroads and corners. |
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A single danjiri float weighs 4-5 tonnes and runs over 70 km during the two-day festival. Its wheels rotate however in fixed direction, so taking turns requires dragging the cart sideways. And dynamic turns are the thing for which Kishiwada Festival is most famous for. As a result, wheels which are made from wood need to be replaced every now and then. It might be done slowly during the break or in a F1 manner during the parade. |
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Sep 192011
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During Danjiri Matsuri in Kishiwada, a peculiar fashion show takes place. As participants in each group wear identical uniforms, girls try to stand out through their hairstyle and blue or black nails. Tightly plaited hair form patterns and are decorated with colorful threads woven into. |
Sep 192011
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During the festival in Kishiwada participants enter the shrines with danjiri floats. There they receive blessing and ritual purification from the priests. After the ceremony, the festival continues with danjiri being pulled all over the town. |
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Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is most famous for the way of taking turns at the crossroads. Just before a turn, massive wooden floats called danjiri are accelerated to the human running speed. Then, almost in an instant they are turned 90 degrees. Floats that weigh up to 5 tonnes and taller than wider barely keep (and sometimes lose) balance. |
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One of the symbols of Japan—Daibutsu—world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha in Nara is visited by millions of pilrims and tourists. They bring not only prayers and wishes, but also large amounts of dust. Once a year in August, during a ceremony called “O-Minugui” volunteers armed with cloths and brushes climb the statue and clean it. |
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Hana means “flower” in Japanese. Kasa means “an umbrella” but also a large straw hat, which protects from sun or rain.
In the Hanagasa Parade during the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, we can see both: large umbrellas and hats decorated with flowers. There is also a real treat for photographers and tourists – maiko – geisha apprentices all grouped together in a cart pulled by young men.
