About this event
Boasting a tradition of approximately 400 years, Nakanojo Town's Bird Chasing Festival began to chase away birds and beasts that damage field crops, and to pray for bountiful harvests, townwide warding off of misfortune, and family safety. Every year on January 14, following a Shinto ritual at Isegu, participants parade through the town. The Issei Daiko (Simultaneous Drumming), where large taiko drums measuring about 1 meter in diameter are struck all at once to the lively chant, It's bird chasing, it's bird chasing, chase away the birds from China, se-se-se, farewell, let us chase them away, is full of power. These drums are placed on wooden carts, with around 10 drums of varying sizes parading through the town. Members of the general public can also beat the drums, and doing so is said to bring sound health. The climax of simultaneous drumming lasts about 20 minutes, featuring 1 singer while drummers rotate. Additionally, people in their yakudoshi (unlucky ages) and local shops host a Lucky Mikan Toss with prize tags attached to pray for shedding bad luck and business prosperity, allowing onlookers to try their luck. During the festival, traffic restrictions and bus detours may be implemented along the shopping street around the venue. Because it gets cold at night, please dress warmly before heading out.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Nakanojo Town Furusato Exchange Center Tsumuji
938 Nakanojo-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 377-0424
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