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Historical Background

The Kashima Festival originated in 1703, rooted in Kashima Shrine, located in the area now known as Iwate Prefecture. This place was originally constructed to enshrine the god believed to bring peace to the region in Japanese myths. 

The Kawajiri no Kashima Festival was once held in five areas of the town; however, due to governmental policy encouraging the abolition and simplification of traditional culture, the festival disappeared in two areas. And it revived in three areas, including Bishamoncho, Kimoiricho, and Nishiomotecho. 

Although this tradition still remains in some places, the scale of the festival has been shrinking. 

Characteristic

As the historical background explains above, the Kashima Festival is popular not only in Iwate Prefecture, where the tradition originated, but also outside of it, including Akita, Aomori, Ibaraki, and Chiba prefectures. 
Even within Akita Prefecture, several places preserve this tradition to this day. The main context of the festival can be divided into two types.

1. Enshrining a large Kashima doll on the border of the village (*1)

2. Releasing a boat with a Kashima doll to the river or ocean (*2)

A Kashima Festival in Kawajiri can be categorised as the second of its kind. 

The second type of festival is often conducted in the area where they receive the entitlement to water, such as in trade and fishing.
By releasing the Kashima doll into the river or ocean, people in the village wish the deity to keep them apart from disasters and misfortune. 

A boat is installed with a main room for the deity of Kashima, a doll of a sailor, and a Kashima doll, which measures approximately 30.3cm, with many flags of blue, green, red, white, and yellow. 
During the event, people who play the role of exorcists walk ahead of the boat and cleanse the houses that the deity passes.
Behind the boat, there are people who play Japanese drums and a Japanese flute.

Compared to the past, when various age groups participated in the activity, the festival's scale has shrunk. However, the cultural value of the festival remains strong with the active participation of local children.

Information

Location: Ueno-Cho, Kawajiri, Akita City

Time & Date: 3rd Sunday of June, from 9 am
(Detailed Schedule: 9:00 am- Shinto Ritual/ 10:00 am- Departure for exorcism/ 11:00 am- Departure of the boat)

Status: Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated by the City 

To Know More!

How to Access

This festival is held in three areas, Bisyamon Cho, Kimoiri Cho, and Nishiomote Cho.
Locations are following below.

Direct Voice