Kuzaki no Notto Shogatsu (Nationally Designated Cultural Property)

About this event

This is an event to pray for family safety, maritime safety, and bountiful catches by sending off the New Year deity aboard a straw boat. One woman from each household goes out to the beach, faces the sea, offers offerings and prays, and then sets the straw boat on fire to set it adrift on the sea. Erecting 'Tsume no Fuda' talismans inscribed with warding words on the beach and offering red bean rice and sacred sake to pray, this ritual is considered to mark the end of the local New Year celebrations. This event is nationally rare in that it is carried out exclusively by women of the village, and in March 2011, it was designated as an intangible folk cultural property for which measures such as record creation should be taken. It is said that 'Notto' originates from 'norito' or 'notto' (Shinto prayer words to the deities). Because many ama (female free-divers) participate, it is also an important event for understanding ama customs.

Venue

Chidorigahama Beach

Chidorigahama Beach, Osatsu-cho, Toba, Mie 517-0032