Katsuyama Kenka Danjiri

About this event

The Katsuyama Kenka Danjiri, an autumn festival handed down in Katsuyama, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture, is a thrilling festival set in an atmospheric castle town where danjiri floats weighing about 2 to 3 tons collide head-on. Held at multiple shrines including Takada Shrine, Kooku Shrine, Ichinomiya Shrine, Suzu Shrine, and Gyokuungoo, 9 danjiri floats rush forward to the chants of 'Oisa!' and the ringing of bells, colliding violently with an impactful 'Doon!' sound. The spectacle features a contest of timing and strength akin to sumo. At night, the 'Kenka Danjiri' takes place where the danjiri crash into each other head-on, sending deep, heavy thuds echoing through the town like earth tremors. The colliding part of the float is called the 'tsukibo' (ramming pole), and the offensive and defensive maneuvers by people in the foremost position known as 'bohana' to secure a single-person space created upon collision to gain an advantage are also a highlight. This festival has continued since the Edo period as an important tradition connecting generations for the people of Katsuyama, so much so that those living away from their hometown always return for it.

Venue

Katsuyama Historical Preservation District

Katsuyama, Maniwa, Okayama 717-0013