Takkengyo

About this event

This event is dedicated to the autumn festival of Wakamiya Inari Shrine, showcasing acrobatic performances that originated from the Rakan dance brought from China. It is said to depict the male and female foxes, messengers of the shrine, happily playing in the bamboo grove behind the shrine in joy of the divine virtues. Accompanied by the festive music of flutes, shime-daiko drums, and shamisen, the highlight of this event is the acrobatics performed by two young men dressed in white garments representing male and female foxes atop two green bamboo poles over 10 meters high. Starting with the cute tricks of elementary school students portraying young foxes, the performance features a continuous series of bold stunts, including handstands by both foxes, synchronized acts, and fox leaps! The thrilling and heart-pounding sensation just watching them captivates the audience. Cheers erupt from the spectators when the female fox scatters auspicious mochi rice cakes, and at the climax, the male fox releases a live chicken into the air. With highlight after highlight between stunts, the venue is filled with great excitement and cheers without a moment to catch your breath. Cherished and passed down since the Edo period, it has been designated as a Nationally Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property (and a City Intangible Folk Cultural Property).

Venue

Wakamiya Inari Shrine

2-10-2 Irabayashi, Nagasaki, Nagasaki 850-0802