Kurokawa Yotaka Festival

About this event

Held annually on Saturday, August 22, in the Kurokawa district of Imizu City, Toyama Prefecture, the 'Kurokawa Yotaka Matsuri' is a traditional agricultural field festival praying for bountiful harvests and good health. Boasting a history of about 200 years, it is affectionately known locally as 'Yotaka'. The festival's greatest highlight is the small Yotaka lanterns handmade by children from 7 neighborhood associations. Suspended on bamboo poles, these lanterns are paraded through the district to a unique festive chant: 'Chosaita niwaka, gomon saita niwaka, sanmonshu ni yota yota'. The word 'niwaka' in this chant refers to improvised comical theater and dances performed with the wish to please the deities. The festival's origin is said to derive from the legend of Sengoku-period warrior Iwami Jutaro defeating a baboon (hihi) beast, with its traditions preserved through repeated interruptions and revivals across its long history. While it was previously held on April 5, it is now held in August, with lantern floats crafted by children lighting up the summer night. In 2006 (Heisei 18), the festival was selected as one of 'Toyama's 100 Selected Cultural Assets (100 Selected Festivals Category)', making it a valuable event that deeply reflects local culture.

Venue

Imizu City Kurokawa Community Center

3106 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0311