The sōban nenbutsu of Hakozaki Sōfukuji Temple

Festival highlights

A key feature is the form of the tradition, which uses 4 sōban gongs of different sizes.

The person who plays the main gong is called the “parent,” while all 3 people who play the elder and younger gongs are called “children.”

Beyond the different sizes of the sōban, their assigned players and names show how the community has preserved this division of roles.

Tracing a form of prayer passed down through 4 sōban gongs and distinct roles

What to expect

The tradition uses 4 sōban gongs of different sizes, with roles divided between the player of the main gong and 3 players of the elder and younger gongs.

The former are called “parent” and the latter “children,” with roles defined by which gong each person plays.

After a sōban cast in Showa 33 cracked, a new one was made in recent years.

Location and access

Venue and address

Sōfukuji Temple, Hakozaki, Hannan City

Address Hakozaki, Hannan City

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Origins and History of The sōban nenbutsu of Hakozaki Sōfukuji Temple

The exact date when the group was formed is not known, but until around Showa 49, the tradition was passed down by 2 women born in the mid-Meiji period or earlier and 1 man.

The number of group members gradually increased thereafter and has continued to the present day.

The Osaka Prefecture Cultural Properties List includes the sōban nenbutsu of Hakozaki Sōfukuji Temple as a folk cultural property dating back to the Edo period, and records the selection date as January 16, 2009.

Source: 府指定等の文化財一覧 民俗文化財（無形民俗文化財（記録選択））／大阪府（おおさかふ）ホームページ [Osaka Prefectural Government]

Official information

The Hannan City official page, “Sōban Nenbutsu at Hakozaki Sōfukuji Temple,” provides information on the name, location, designation as an intangible folk cultural property, and an overview of the tradition bearers and sōban.

The sōban nenbutsu of Hakozaki Sōfukuji Temple at a Glance

The sōban nenbutsu of Hakozaki Sōfukuji Temple is an intangible folk cultural property passed down at Sōfukuji Temple in Hakozaki, Hannan City.

It uses 4 sōban gongs of different sizes, with roles divided between 1 “parent,” who plays the main gong, and 3 “children,” who play the elder and younger gongs.

The history of its transmission in the community can be traced through the bearers up to around Showa 49, the subsequent growth in the number of group members, and the replacement of the sōban.

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