Sai-agari Ritual (Hikoshima Hachimangu Autumn Annual Grand Festival)

About this event

The "Sai-agari Ritual" performed at the Autumn Annual Grand Festival of Hikoshima Hachimangu originates from the legend in which Michitsugu Kono, said to be the founder of the development of Hikoshima, pulled the sacred object (goshintai) up from the sea. The name "Sai-agari" is said to be a phonetic corruption of the phrase "Saa agarasetamae" (Now, please rise). In the ritual, children dressed in haori and hakama first perform a dance depicting fish leaping across the sea surface. Following that, a warrior clad in armor energetically performs a dance depicting finding the sacred object in the sea and pulling it up. Designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property, this ritual is a valuable opportunity to deeply experience the history and traditions of the region. In addition to this ritual, the annual grand festival also features a celebratory performing arts competition, a bazaar, serving of fugu hot pot, and a lucky draw, drawing many visitors.

Venue

Hikoshima Hachimangu Shrine

5-12-9 Hikoshima Sakomachi, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi 750-0092