The Obisha of Hिरेgasaki

Festival highlights

The highlight is Mato-uchi, in which attendants dressed as the Seven Lucky Gods shoot arrows at red and blue demon targets.

It is considered auspicious to hit a demon in the eye, and the use of handmade targets and bows and arrows gives the event its distinctive character.

After the shrine ritual, a naorai communal feast is held, along with performances of kagura, lion dancing, and the Tagosaku dance.

A traditional Hिरेgasaki shrine ritual in which arrows shot by the Seven Lucky Gods pierce demon targets

What to expect

The ceremony begins with a norito prayer by the priest, followed by the shrine ritual and the Towa-tashi, the handover of duties between attendants.

After that, attendants and shrine officials dressed as the Seven Lucky Gods shoot arrows at demon targets.

Food is served at the naorai communal feast, and kagura is offered.

Today, Okurikomi takes place first, followed by the naorai communal feast and handover of duties at the shrine office.

How to take part

The event is primarily carried out by the seven households serving as attendants in Hिरेgasaki, the next year’s attendants, and shrine officials.

The role of shooting arrows is limited to attendants, shrine officials, and others in these roles; no arrangement for general visitors to take part in the ritual has been confirmed.

However, more than 100 spectators have attended in past years, and visitors can watch.

Source: ぐるっと流山 鰭ケ崎おびしゃ行事｜流山市

Location and access

Venue and address

Ikazuchi Shrine (1767 Hिरेgasaki, Nagareyama City).

Train and bus

A 15-minute walk from Minami-Nagareyama Station on the Tsukuba Express Line, or a 5-minute walk from Hिरेgasaki Station on the Ryutetsu Line.

Address 1767 Hिरेgasaki, Nagareyama City

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Dates and season

Season

Every year on the 3rd Sunday of January

Frequency

Every year

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

After the shrine ritual, participants shoot arrows at demon targets.

When watching, follow directions in the shrine grounds so as not to disrupt the proceedings, including Mato-uchi and kagura.

During Okurikomi, a procession carrying large lanterns and paper lanterns moves along the route, so choose a place to watch from that does not obstruct pedestrian traffic.

Origins and History of The Obisha of Hिरेgasaki

The Obisha of Hिरेgasaki is said to have begun during the Kyoho era (1716–1736) and has a tradition spanning more than 300 years.

It was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Nagareyama City in Showa 52, and in Heisei 6 it was also selected as a Recorded Cultural Property of Chiba Prefecture.

The costumes of the Seven Lucky Gods and the hakama outfits are said to have been introduced in the latter half of the Showa 50s, adding a new form of passing on this longstanding festival.

Official information

The Nagareyama City Tourism Association introduces the Hिरेgasaki Obisha event as an intangible folk cultural property of Ikazuchi Shrine.

An official Nagareyama City article provides details about shooting arrows at demon targets, the handover of duties, the naorai communal feast, and Okurikomi.

The venue is Ikazuchi Shrine.

The Obisha of Hिरेgasaki at a Glance

The Obisha of Hिरेgasaki is a New Year’s archery ritual held at Ikazuchi Shrine and passed down by seven households serving as attendants.

The costumes of the Seven Lucky Gods, shooting arrows at demon targets, Towa-tashi, the naorai communal feast, and performances of kagura and lion dancing bring local religious beliefs and the system of attendant households together in a series of events.

A longstanding event designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Nagareyama City.