Gishi-sai Memorial Festival for Horibe Yasube

About this event

The "Gishi-sai," commemorating Ako Gishi warrior Horibe Yasube hailing from Shibata, will be held mainly around Chotoku-ji Temple on Monday, December 14, 2026. On this day known as the anniversary of the raid by the Ako Gishi (47 Ronin), events conveying Horibe Yasube's character and history to the present day are held every year in Shibata. At the opening of the Gishi-do hall, the wooden statues of the 47 Ako Gishi enshrined at Chotoku-ji Temple, including Horibe Yasube, will be opened to the public, allowing visitors to connect with a story passed down for over 300 years. In the Chotoku-ji main hall, demonstrations of Nihon Kendo Kata, shigin poetry recitation, and kenbu sword dancing will be presented as the "Memorial Gathering for Yasube," followed by a Buddhist memorial service. Additionally, a performance of Yasube Taiko drumming by Gomenmachi Elementary School students will be showcased, allowing visitors to feel the deep bond between Horibe Yasube and Shibata through traditions passed down across generations. Decorating the finale of the festival is a downtown parade by young boy and girl swordsmen dressed as Ako Gishi warriors. Departing Chotoku-ji Temple, the procession passes through Sannomachi Shopping Street to Fudanotsuji Plaza. At Fudanotsuji Plaza, they deliver the "Raid Declaration," cross Takekura Bridge, and return to Chotoku-ji Temple. The sight of young swordsmen marching through the winter streets dressed in raid attire is a unique winter scene preserved in Shibata's Gishi-sai. Free distribution of "Toshi-iri Soba" noodles (limited to the first 200 people) will also take place.

Venue

Chotoku-ji Temple

2-7-22 Daieicho, Shibata-shi, Niigata 957-0056