Ogi Sode-Giriko Festival

About this event

This festival features large lantern floats (sode-giriko) shaped like traditional yakko kites, a rarity on the Noto Peninsula. At the festival's climax, 9 sode-giriko floats are powerfully pushed up the steep, narrow slope (stone stairs) leading toward Mifune Shrine. Their power and force convey the heroic spirit unique to a fishing town. This festival is said to have begun when floats were pulled during the construction of the shrine grounds in 1878 and 1879 (Meiji 11 and 12). While the kiriko floats of that era were gigantic, they were reduced to their current size in 1914 (Taisho 3) due to the installation of overhead power lines. Ogi sode-giriko floats are also said to trace their lineage to the Nebuta tradition, and the style of warrior paintings on both sides is similar, suggesting influences from Sea of Japan coastal culture.

Venue

Ogi

Ogi, Noto, Hosu District, Ishikawa 927-0553