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| 国指定重要無形民俗文化財 |
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| 幡豆町ホーム＞鳥羽の火祭り |
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| Toba no Himatsuri - the fire festival of Toba |
| ‘Himatsuri’ is known as one of the most peculiar, extraordinary festivals
in Japan, which annually takes place on the second Sunday of February (Traditionally
held on January 7th according to the lunar calendar). Its official name
is ‘Toba-dai-kagaribi (the great bonfire of Toba)’, and it was registered
as a National Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 2004. |
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The exact origin of this festival is unknown today, due to the loss of
historical documents through repeated outbreaks of fire at the shrine.
However, it is estimated that it dates back to 800 A.D., more than 1200
years ago.
Two large torches called ‘Suzumi’ are planted at the centre of Toba-Shinmeisha-shrine
on the eve of the festival. The torches are about 5 meters high and they
weigh up to 2 tons each. Inside each massive pile of bamboos and sun-dried
miscanthus are a ‘Shingi (holy tree)’ and 12 ropes symbolising the months
of the year, which will be sought by the men once the torches are kindled. |
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The first highlight of the festival is ‘Misogi’, a ritual ablution.
At around 3pm, the two annual ‘Shin-Otoko (holy men)’, wearing nothing
but white cotton cloths, make their way to the sea against the frosty wind.
The two teams of men following the Shin-Otoko’s, equally wearing as little
as can be, consist of the residents of the local Toba area, divided into
the West ‘Fukuji (the prosperous land)’ and the East ‘Kanji (the dry
land)’. |
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| It is the Shin-Otoko’s, who are the leaders of each team. The sheer
sight of men running into the ocean, purifying their body and mind in the
ice cold water, is simply incredible. They stay in the sea until the hemp
and paper streamers are washed off the wand held by the Shin-Otoko from
Fukuji, warm themselves up at the fire on the beach and then return to
the shrine in formation. |
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At 7:30pm, the two Shin-Otoko’s light a fire at the top of the two
torches in the traditional way: a flintstone. The torches soon become great,
breathtaking bonfires, casting a crimson light over the dark sky.
The festival reaches its climax. Smoke, flames and sparks fill the air
and the heat attacks the participants. Once the furious sounds of drums
are heard, there is no time for hesitation for the Shin-Otoko’s and the
helpers; dressed in unique costumes made from old festival banners, they
pour water over their heads and bravely jump into the flame. |
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| Their peculiar look in their hoods and costumes, as well as their nimbly movements, remind one of lithe cats, and the helpers are often referred to as ‘Neco (cats)’ by the local residents. The men desperately compete against each other until they take the holy tree and the 12 ropes out and offer them at the alter of the shrine. |
The purpose of the festival is to forecast the climate and the harvest of the coming year. Legend says that the victory of the West ‘Fukuji’ ensures rain and a good harvest in the mountains; if the East ‘Kanji’ wins, there will be famine and disaster. Chopsticks made from the embers of the burning bamboo sticks are also said to protect one from dental diseases, and the same bamboo used for sericulture brings fine silk. It is a festival of passion and bravery, and the sight of ‘the cats’ courageously fighting against fire is an experience not to be missed. |
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Order of Events
| the Eve of the festival.0pm |
Preparation of ‘Suzumi’ at the precincts of the shrine. The two shin-Otoko’s go through three days of Seclusion in the shrine, purifying their mind and body through meditation and cold baths. |
| Festival day. 2pm |
The Shin-Otoko and men gather at the shrine to depart for the sea. |
| 3pm |
Ritual Ablution ‘Misogi’.They run and jump into the sea, purifying their
bodies . The Shin-Otoko’s are both completely naked. |
| 7:30pm |
The ‘Suzumi’ is lit and the Fire festival begins. |
| 8pm |
The climax of the festival. The spectacle of men jumping into the flames
to take the ‘holy tree’ is simply unmissable. |
| 8:30pm |
The festival comes to an end with the offering of the holy tree. The spectators
leave the dark site with the embers of bamboo trees |
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Directions:
By train: Mikawa-Toba Station
(Meitetsu Gamagori Line).
The Toba Shinmeisha shrine is 10 minutes on foot from the station.
Inquiries:
Hazu-Cho Tourist Association 0563-63-0126
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