Tsukigaoka Shrine Annual Grand Festival

About this event

The Annual Grand Festival of Tsukigaoka Shrine, dedicated to the guardian deity of Hahajima, takes place every year on November 23. From the morning, Shichi-Go-San celebrations and chindon-ya (traditional costumed street musicians) appear. From midday, children pull festival floats (dashi), and upper elementary school students and older carry portable shrines (mikoshi). The adult mikoshi is full of power, becoming very lively with high school students and festival lovers rushing from Chichijima to assist. Mochi prepared by local island women and bento lunch boxes for shrine contributors are also served. In the evening, around 6 food stalls line up, with oden and motsuni (stewed offal) being popular favorites. On stage, taiko drum performances, South Seas dance (Nanyo Odori), and karaoke are showcased; the high school students' performance of "Memeshikute" especially energized the venue. Blessed with good weather, it was a wonderful festival. During the festival procession, participants parade through the island in order: children's floats in the lead, followed by children's mikoshi, and then adult mikoshi. Children ranging from nursery school to around 3rd grade participate in the floats, pulling along long ropes. Along the way, snacks and drinks are handed out to the children. 4th graders through junior high school students carry the children's mikoshi, followed by the powerful adult mikoshi. Joined by participants and junior high school students from Chichijima, they parade through the settlement with chants of "Soiya! Soiya!" and finally return to the shrine grounds for the climax. This festival is a precious occasion where both adults and children can enjoy together and experience the warmth and strength of the local community.

Venue

Hahajima

Hahajima, Ogasawara Village, Tokyo 100-2211