The large character event in Kitakogauchi Urushido

This is the Little New Year tradition of raising a large character, passed down by the Urushido neighborhood association in Kitakogauchi, Minowa Town. A red board representing the sun and decorations carrying people’s wishes are tied to a post, which is raised to shouts of encouragement.

About The large character event in Kitakogauchi Urushido

The large character event in Kitakogauchi Urushido is a traditional event held during Little New Year by the Urushido neighborhood association in Kitakogauchi, Minowa Town.

At the 2022 event, residents gathered at a crossroads in the center of the settlement and attached a red board representing the sun, floral decorations, , and pine branches to a post.

The local community takes responsibility for decorating and raising the post, praying for good health and a bountiful harvest.

Festival highlights

The highlight is raising the large character on a post about 15 meters long.

A red board representing the sun is attached to the top of the post. Beneath it, colorful paper flower decorations wishing for a bountiful harvest, gohei, and pine branches are tied on.

Once the decorations are in place, the gathered residents raise the post together, shouting in unison.

A large character event that carries on the memory of a flood and offers prayers for good health and a bountiful harvest

What to expect

The event begins with residents gathering at a crossroads in the center of the settlement.

A red board is attached to the top of the post, and floral decorations, gohei, and pine branches are tied around its lower section.

Once the decorations are in place, the post is raised to shouts of encouragement, and the large character is lowered on January 16.

The decorations are taken home by each family and are said to be displayed by the entrance as protection from misfortune.

Location and access

Venue and address: At a crossroads in the center of the Urushido settlement, Kitakogauchi, Minowa Town

Address At a crossroads in the center of the Urushido settlement, Kitakogauchi, Minowa Town

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Dates and season

Season: Little New Year

Accommodation and hotels PR

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Origins and History of The large character event in Kitakogauchi Urushido

The large character event of the Urushido neighborhood association is said to have begun after the Tenryu River flooded about 260 years ago, causing severe damage.

The event is said to have originated in the wake of a flood. In the documented examples available today, it is held during Little New Year with prayers for good health and a bountiful harvest.

There is also a tradition of raising the post, lowering it later, and displaying the decorations by the entrance of each home.

The large character event in Kitakogauchi Urushido at a Glance

The large character event in Kitakogauchi Urushido is a traditional event held during Little New Year, with prayers for good health and a bountiful harvest.

A red board representing the sun, floral decorations, gohei, and pine branches are attached to a post, which is raised to shouts of encouragement. The post is about 15 meters tall.

The post is lowered on January 16, and each family displays the decorations by the entrance as protection from misfortune.

Sources and references