Kumano Shrine Oni no Shujo-e (Demon-Chasing Ritual / Oni-yo)

About this event

A traditional fire festival, 'Oni no Shujo-e', with over 500 years of history handed down at Kumano Shrine in Kumano, Chikugo City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukuoka Prefecture. This festival is held to pray for bountiful harvests, good health, and the eradication of plagues for that year. The festival's sacred rituals consist of three parts: 'Ko-taimatsu' (small torches) by children, 'Onioi' (demon chasing, not open to the public) driving out the chief priest wearing a demon mask, and 'O-taimatsu' (giant torches) carried out by shrine parishioners clad in shimekomi loincloths. The highlight is the heroic fire festival where young men drag three blazing giant torches around the shrine grounds. The flames instantly dye the grounds crimson, creating an overwhelmingly powerful scene. Participant recruitment for the festival is also conducted, and healthy men aged 20 and over can apply from all over the country. All tools required for festival participation are prepared, and meal costs and personal injury insurance are included, allowing participants to join with peace of mind.

Venue

Kumano Shrine (Chikugo/Kumano)

730 Kumano, Chikugo, Fukuoka 833-0055