Sanja Matsuri: Difference between revisions
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{{Original research|date=February 2024|reason=}}{{short description|Shinto festival in Japan}} |
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[[Image:Mikoshi_during_Sanja_Matsuri_in_2006.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Main ''Mikoshi'' parading through the streets during Sanja Matsuri.]] |
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{{Infobox holiday |
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|holiday_name = Sanja Matsuri |
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|type = shinto |
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|image = View of mikoshi from sensoji Sanja Matsuri 2006-3.jpg |
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|imagesize = 250px |
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|caption = A view of the [[Hōzōmon]] as well as one of the main ''[[mikoshi]]'' as seen from the top of the steps of the [[Sensō-ji]] |
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|official_name = |
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|nickname = |
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|observedby = Tokyo |
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|litcolor = |
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|longtype = Religious |
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|significance = Honors [[Hinokuma Hamanari]], [[Hinokuma Takenari]] and [[Hajino Nakatomo]], the three founders of [[Sensō-ji]] |
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|begins = Friday |
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|ends = Sunday |
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|scheduling = nth weekday of the month |
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|duration = 3 days |
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|frequency = annual |
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|date{{LASTYEAR}} = {{date|{{LASTYEAR}}-05-{{Weekday in month|{{LASTYEAR}}|5|5|3}}|MDY}} |
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|date{{CURRENTYEAR}} = {{date|{{CURRENTYEAR}}-05-{{Weekday in month|{{CURRENTYEAR}}|5|5|3}}|MDY}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacGregor |first1=Sandra |title=7 Must-See Spring Festivals In Japan To Experience In 2023 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/sandramacgregor/2023/04/06/7-must-see-spring-festivals-in-japan-to-experience-in-2023/?sh=3120d9b35a31 |access-date=15 May 2023 |work=Forbes |date=6 April 2023 |language=en}}</ref> |
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|date{{NEXTYEAR}} = {{date|{{NEXTYEAR}}-05-{{Weekday in month|{{NEXTYEAR}}|5|5|3}}|MDY}} |
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|date{{NEXTYEAR|2}} = {{date|{{NEXTYEAR|2}}-05-{{Weekday in month|{{NEXTYEAR|2}}|5|5|3}}|MDY}} |
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}} |
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{{nihongo|'''Sanja Matsuri'''|三社祭||literally "Three Shrine Festival"}}, or '''Sanja Festival''', is one of the three largest [[Shinto]] [[festivals in Tokyo]]. It is considered one of the wildest and largest in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706170637/http://www.hoteltravel.com/japan/guides/festivals.htm#sanja_matsuri |archivedate=6 July 2008 |url=http://www.hoteltravel.com/japan/guides/festivals.htm#sanja_matsuri |title=Japan Events and Festivals |accessdate=2008-05-07 |work=HotelTravel.com}}</ref> The festival is held in honor of Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari, and Hajino Nakatomo, the three men who established and founded the [[Sensō-ji]] Buddhist temple. Sanja Matsuri is held on the third weekend of every May at [[Asakusa Shrine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3063.html|title=Sanja Matsuri|website=Japan-guide.com|access-date=16 May 2019}}</ref> Its prominent parades revolve around three ''[[mikoshi]]'' (portable shrines referenced in the festival's name), as well as traditional music and dancing. Over the course of three days, the festival attracts 1.5 to 2 million locals and tourists every year.<ref name="metro">{{cite web |url=http://metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/685/feature.asp |title=Festival Frenzy |accessdate=2008-03-05 |work=[[Metropolis (free magazine)|Metropolis]] |author=Graham, Fiona |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080221001537/http://www.metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/685/feature.asp <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2008-02-21}}</ref> |
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The {{nihongo|'''Sanja Festival'''|三社祭|'''Sanja Matsuri}} is one of the "Three Great Festivals of [[Edo]]" (present day [[Tokyo]]), along with the Kanda Festival and Sanno Festival, and is known as one of the wildest and largest. It is held on the third weekend of every [[May]] at [[Asakusa Shrine]]. Over its three days, the festival attracts anywhere from 1.5 to 2 million people every year.<ref name="metro">http://metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/685/feature.asp</ref> Although appearing to date from older times, the present day festival was established in the [[Edo Period]]. |
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[[File:Sanja matsuri - May 19 2013.webm|thumb|thumbtime=5|Scenes from Sanja Matsuri in 2013]] |
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==Description of Events== |
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==History== |
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[[Image:Music_Float_during_Sanja_Matsuri.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Musical float parading through Asakusa during Sanja Matsuri.]] |
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Like many [[Japanese festival]]s, Sanja Matsuri is a religious celebration, but it is an unusual survival of a cross-faith festival: it is a weekend-long Shinto festival that is dedicated to the ''[[kami]]'' (spirits) of three men who founded a Buddhist temple. It is believed that two fishermen—brothers named Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari—found a statuette of the [[Bodhisattva]] [[Kannon]] caught in a fishing net in the [[Sumida River]] on the early morning of March 18, 628.<ref name="wgs">{{cite web |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140206000516/http://www.senso-ji.jp/guide/komagata_e.html |archivedate=6 February 2014 |url=http://www.senso-ji.jp/guide/komagata_e.html |title=Guide to Senso Ji's Halls – Komagatado Hall |accessdate=2014-05-08 }}</ref> The third man, a wealthy landlord named Hajino Nakatomo, heard about the discovery, approached the brothers and converted them to [[Buddhism]]. The three men then devoted their lives to the Buddhist faith and consecrated the statue in a small temple.<ref name="asakusashrine">{{cite web |url=http://www.asakusajinja.jp/english/ |title=Asakusa Shrine |accessdate=2008-03-21}}</ref> This temple, now known as the [[Sensō-ji]], currently houses the Kannon statue and is the oldest temple in Tokyo. |
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The Sanja Matsuri appears to have many forms that date back as early as the 7th century, as well as several names such as "Kannon Matsuri" and "Asakusa Matsuri".<ref name="history">{{cite web |url=http://www.asakusajinja.jp/sanjamatsuri/yurai.html |script-title=ja:三社祭とは? |accessdate=2008-03-21 |language=Japanese}}</ref> Sanja Matsuri's present day form was established during the [[Edo period]]. In 1649, ''[[shōgun]]'' [[Tokugawa Iemitsu]] commissioned the construction of [[Asakusa Shrine]], a [[Shinto shrine]] dedicated to the three ''kami''. The existence of this shrine helped to solidify the festival's importance as well as its current structure and organization.<ref name="bella">{{cite web |url=http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art29889.asp |title=Japanese Festivals – Sanja Matsuri (Day 2) |accessdate=2008-03-05 |author=Turner, Taisha |work=BellaOnline}}</ref> |
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The festival begins on Friday with a famous grand procession called the ''Daigyoretsu,'' an exciting event that energizes the whole community with traditional musicians, performers and dancers parading down the street towards the Shrine. During the next two days of the festival, approximately a hundred [[mikoshi]] (portable [[shrine]]s) are paraded through the streets. As they are carried throughout [[Asakusa]], they are shaken and bounced vehemently. This is believed to intensify the power of the [[kami]] mounted on the shrines. There are many medium-sized ''mikoshi'' as well as several smaller onces that are solely carried by women or even children. Most importantly, the procession of three specific ''mikoshi'' owned by the shrine begin early Sunday morning. These three elaborate shrines represent the three men responsible for founding Asakusa Shrine - Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari and Haji no Nakatomo. On Sunday, the last day of the festival, these three main ''mikoshi'' are divided into three different groups in order to visit and bestow blessing to all 44 blocks of downtown and residential Asakusa. When evening falls, the three shrines find their way back to Asakusa Shrine in another grand procession. |
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==Description of events== |
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While the festival is highly religious in its origins, it is primarily a festival of celebration. For this reason, the atmosphere around Asakusa during the weekend of the festival is charged and energetic. The streets are almost continuously flooded with people and drums, flutes, whistles and chanting can be heard echoing throughout the district. In the areas immediately surrounding the Shrine's ''mikoshis,'' the scene is even more hectic. It is not unusual for there to be someone standing on the bucking and swaying ''mikishi'' who seemingly conducts the people carrying him and the shrine, all while shouting to the hundreds of people watching the spectacle. |
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[[File:Asakusa Matsuri Senso-ji May06.JPG|right|thumb|Asakusa Sanja Festival – a portable Shrine lifted in front of Sensō-ji temple.]] |
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In addition to these parades, Sanja Matsuri has several other draws. For example, festival goers can also visit hundreds of shops and food stands which are erected in the area around the Shrine for the entire weekend. Another famous example involves Japan's infamous [[Yakuza]]. Devout Yakuza members often get full body tattoos, known as [[irezumi]], which are usually illegal to display publicly in Japan. During Sanja Matsuri, however, this ban is lifted and Yakuza members proudly show off their tattoos.<ref name="asiarooms">http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/japan/japan-festivals-&-events/sanja-matsuri-festival.html</ref> |
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Religious in origin, Sanja Matsuri is primarily a festival of celebration. The atmosphere around [[Asakusa]] during the weekend of the festival is charged and energetic. People continuously flood the streets surrounding the Sensō-ji and flutes, whistles, chanting and ''[[taiko]]'' (traditional Japanese drums) can be heard throughout the district. |
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==Festival Schedule== |
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[[Image:Music_Float_during_Sanja_Matsuri.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Musical float parading through Asakusa during Sanja Matsuri.]] |
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====Day 1, Friday==== |
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*''Daigyoretsu'' Begins (~1PM)<ref name="JNTO">http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/history/traditionalevents/a26_fes_sanja.html</ref> |
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The festival's main attractions are three Asakusa Shrine-owned ''[[mikoshi]]'' that appear on the third and final day of the festival. These three elaborate, black [[lacquer]]ed-wood shrines are built to act as miniature, portable versions of Asakusa Shrine. Decorated with gold sculptures and painted with [[gold leaf]], each ''mikoshi'' weighs approximately one ton and cost [[Japanese Yen|¥]]40 million ($390,760 in 2008) to construct.<ref name="metro"/> They are carried on four long poles lashed together with ropes, and each needs approximately 40 people dispersed evenly to safely carry them. Throughout the day, a total of about 500 people participate in carrying each shrine.<ref name="metro"/> |
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====Day 2, Saturday==== |
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*Local ''mikoshi'' depart from Asakusa Shrine (~12PM)<ref name="JNTO"/> |
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Because of the importance of these three ''mikoshi'', they are spectacles as they are carried through the streets. The areas immediately surrounding each shrine are busy with people, and as they are carried, they are shaken and bounced vigorously. This action is believed to intensify the power of the ''[[kami]]'' that are seated in the shrines and helps to bestow good luck upon their respective neighborhoods.<ref name="excelloz">{{cite web |url=http://www.excelloz.com/Travel_guide/Tokyo/Sanja_Matsuri_Festival_of_Asakusa_Shrine_Tokyo.html |title=Sanja Matsuri: Unique traditional Festival of Japan in Asakusa, Tokyo |accessdate=2008-03-05 |author=Miller, David |work=Excelloz Travel}}</ref> It is not unusual for there to be someone standing on the poles supporting the ''mikoshi'' shouting and waving in order to help direct the people carrying the shrine. This sense of direction can be essential when trying to keep the one ton ''mikoshi'' from accidentally colliding with street-side shops and causing considerable damage.<ref name="metro"/> |
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====Day 3, Sunday==== |
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*Three main ''mikoshi'' depart from Asakusa Shrine (~6AM)<ref name="JNTO"/> |
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While the three primary ''mikoshi'' are the most important objects roaming the streets during the Sanja Matsuri, approximately 100 other smaller ''mikoshi'' are paraded through the neighborhood on Saturday. Of these shrines, several are solely carried by women or small children.<ref name="metro"/> |
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*Three main ''mikoshi'' return to Asakusa Shrine (~8PM)<ref name="JNTO"/> |
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===Day by day=== |
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[[File:Sunday night parade Sanja Matsuri 2006.JPG|thumb|People paraded through the Nakamise during Sanja Matsuri.]] |
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[[File:Float during Sanja Matsuri 2006.JPG|right|thumb|A music [[Matsuri Float|float]] is carried down [[Sensō-ji#Nakamise-dōri|Nakamise-dōri]] late Sunday night]] |
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[[File:Children carry mikoshi Sanja Matsuri 2006.JPG|right|thumb|Children [[mikoshi]]]] |
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Though not a part of the festivities, the official start of the Sanja Matsuri begins on Thursday with an important religious ceremony. This ceremony requires Asakusa Shrine's [[kannushi|head priest]] to perform a ritual that moves the enshrined ''kami'' of the three men at Asakusa Shrine to the three ''mikoshi'' that will be paraded around the Asakusa during the weekend.<ref name="schedule">{{cite web |url=http://www.asakusajinja.jp/sanjamatsuri/nittei.html |script-title=ja:日程 |accessdate=2008-03-21 |language=Japanese}}</ref> By opening the small doors located on each ''mikoshi'' (the interior is obscured to the public by a small cotton curtain), the three spirits are invited into the miniature shrines where they will reside for the duration of the festival.<ref name="metro"/> |
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The festival's more publicized beginning starts on Friday when the {{nihongo|''Daigyōretsu''|大行列||literally "large parade"}} is held.<ref name="excelloz"/> This famous 19-block grand procession down Yanagi Street and [[Sensō-ji#Nakamise-dōri|Nakamise-dōri]] to Asakusa Shrine is an event that is used to energize the community. It is most known for its participants' lavish costumes, such as [[heron]]-hooded dancers, [[geisha]] and city officials wearing ''[[hakama]]'' (traditional Japanese clothing).<ref name="metro"/> Musicians, performers and dancers also parade down the streets of Asakusa in traditional Japanese attire during the procession. In the evening, six ''mikoshi'' from the most central neighborhoods are sent parading through the streets on the shoulders of several dozen people.<ref name="metro"/> |
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On the following day, Saturday, approximately 100 ''mikoshi'' from the 44 Asakusa districts gather at the [[Kaminarimon]].<ref name="bella"/> They are then paraded through Nakamise-dōri and stop at the [[Hōzōmon]] where they pay their respects to [[Kannon]]. Afterwards, the ''mikoshi'' are carried to [[Asakusa Shrine]] where [[Shinto]] priests bless and purify them for the coming year.<ref name="bella"/> When the ceremony is completed, they are then carried back and paraded through their respective neighborhoods. |
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Sanja Matsuri's most important events occurs on the following Sunday. The procession of the three Asakusa Shrine-owned ''mikoshi'' begin their march down Nakamise-dōri toward the Kaminarimon early Sunday morning. These three elaborate shrines honor and represent the three men responsible for founding the [[Sensō-ji]]. During this final day of the festival, these important ''mikoshi'' are split up in order to visit and bestow blessing to all 44 districts of downtown and residential Asakusa. When evening falls, the three shrines find their way back to Asakusa Shrine in another grand procession that lasts late into the night.<ref name="digital">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalmatsuri.com/?p=3 |title=The Asakusa Sanja Matsuri |accessdate=2008-04-08 |date=2006-05-21 |work=The Digital Matsuri Project}}</ref> |
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==Other attractions== |
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In addition to the traditional events, Sanja Matsuri has several other popular draws. For example, festival goers can visit hundreds of shops found in the Nakamise, a street connecting the Kaminarimon and the Hōzōmon. Many small food stands are also erected in the surrounding areas for the entire weekend. [[Yakuza]] members also proudly show off their tattoos.<ref name="asiarooms">{{cite web |url=http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/japan/japan-festivals-&-events/sanja-matsuri-festival.html |title=Sanja Matsuri Festival |accessdate=2008-06-30 |work=AsiaRooms.com|url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016182321/http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/japan/japan-festivals-&-events/sanja-matsuri-festival.html|archive-date=2007-10-16}}</ref> |
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Other spectacles that draw crowds are the [[Geisha]] and ''[[taiko]]'' performances that take place at specific times throughout the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, Geisha that don their traditional attire put on performances from 1–3 p.m. on the second floor of the Asakusa Kenban. These performances, which require visitors to purchase tickets, have been ranked as one of the 10 best Geisha shows in all of Japan.<ref name="about">{{cite web |url=http://gojapan.about.com/od/geisha/tp/bestgeishashow.htm |title=Top 10 Geisha Shows |accessdate=2008-04-08 |work=[[About.com]] |author=Mishima, Shizuko}}</ref> On Sunday afternoon, members of the Nihon Taiko Dojo, a prominent Tokyo ''taiko'' academy, perform a free half-hour traditional music show at Asakusa Shrine.<ref name="metro"/> |
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==Festival schedule== |
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Though there are many activities during Sanja Matsuri that are not time dependent, there are a few events that start and stop at specific times throughout the weekend. |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|- |
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! Time |
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! Event |
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! Description |
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! Location |
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! Notes |
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|- |
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| colspan="5" align="center"|'''Preparation, Thursday''' |
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|- |
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| 7 am |
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| Asakusa Shrine's ''Kami'' Relocation |
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| The head priest moves the ''kami'' from Asakusa Shrine to the respective ''mikoshi'' |
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| Asakusa Shrine |
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|<ref name="schedule"/> |
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|- |
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| colspan="5" align="center"|'''Day 1, Friday''' |
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|- |
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| 1 p.m. |
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| ''Daigyōretsu'' begins |
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| Large parade involving many people and [[Matsuri Float|floats]] |
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| Yanagi St. & Nakamise-dōri |
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|<ref name="JNTO">{{cite web |url=http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/history/traditionalevents/a26_fes_sanja.html |title=Asakusa Sanja Matsuri |accessdate=2008-03-05 |work=[[Japan National Tourist Organization]]}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| 2:20 p.m. |
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| ''[[Binzasara]]'' Dance |
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| Traditional dance used to pray for prosperity and a good harvest |
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| ''[[Haiden (Shinto)|Haiden]]'' (hall in Asakusa Shrine) |
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|<ref name="schedule"/><ref name="JNTO"/> |
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|- |
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| 3 p.m. |
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| ''Binzasara'' Dance |
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| Traditional dance used to pray for prosperity and a good harvest |
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| ''Kaguraden'' (pavilion in Asakusa Shrine) |
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|<ref name="schedule"/><ref name="JNTO"/> |
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|- |
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| colspan="5" align="center"|'''Day 2, Saturday''' |
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|- |
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| 12:30 p.m. |
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| Local ''mikoshi'' depart |
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| About 100 ''mikoshi'' from 44 districts of Asakusa begin their tour of the town |
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| Asakusa Shrine |
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|<ref name="schedule"/> |
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|- |
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| colspan="5" align="center"|'''Day 3, Sunday''' |
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|- |
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| 6 a.m. |
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| Three main ''mikoshi'' depart |
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| 3 main ''mikoshi'' depart from Asakusa shrine to start their tour of the districts of Asakusa |
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| Asakusa Shrine |
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|<ref name="JNTO"/> |
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|- |
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| 8 p.m. |
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| Three main ''mikoshi'' return |
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| After touring the districts of Asakusa, the 3 main ''mikoshi'' return |
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| Asakusa Shrine |
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|<ref name="JNTO"/> |
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|} |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[Culture of Japan]] |
* [[Culture of Japan]] |
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* [[Japanese calendar]] |
* [[Japanese calendar]] |
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* [[Japanese festivals]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist|30em}} |
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<references/> |
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==External links== |
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{{Commonscat|Sanja Matsuri}} |
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* {{Official website|http://www.asakusajinja.jp/sanjamatsuri/}} {{in lang|ja}} |
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{{coord missing|Tokyo}} |
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[[Category:Festivals in Japan|*]] |
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{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:Shinto]] |
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[[Category:Japanese culture]] |
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[[Category:Festivals in Japan]] |
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[[ |
[[Category:Asakusa]] |
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[[Category:Buddhism in Tokyo]] |
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[[Category:Buddhist festivals in Japan]] |
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[[Category:Dance festivals in Japan]] |
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[[Category:Festivals in Tokyo]] |
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[[Category:Holidays and observances by scheduling (nth weekday of the month)]] |
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[[Category:May observances]] |
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[[Category:Shinto festivals]] |
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[[Category:Shinto in Tokyo]] |
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[[Category:Religious festivals in Japan]] |
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[[Category:Spring (season) events in Japan]] |
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Revision as of 00:43, 17 May 2024
 | This article possibly contains original research. (February 2024) |
| Sanja Matsuri | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Observed by | Tokyo |
| Type | Religious |
| Significance | Honors Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari and Hajino Nakatomo, the three founders of Sensō-ji |
| Begins | Friday |
| Ends | Sunday |
| Date | third Friday in May, third Saturday in May, third Sunday in May |
| 2023 date | May 19, 2023 |
| 2024 date | May 17, 2024[1] |
| 2025 date | May 16, 2025 |
| 2026 date | May 15, 2026 |
| Frequency | annual |
Sanja Matsuri (三社祭, literally "Three Shrine Festival"), or Sanja Festival, is one of the three largest Shinto festivals in Tokyo. It is considered one of the wildest and largest in Japan.[2] The festival is held in honor of Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari, and Hajino Nakatomo, the three men who established and founded the Sensō-ji Buddhist temple. Sanja Matsuri is held on the third weekend of every May at Asakusa Shrine.[3] Its prominent parades revolve around three mikoshi (portable shrines referenced in the festival's name), as well as traditional music and dancing. Over the course of three days, the festival attracts 1.5 to 2 million locals and tourists every year.[4]
History
Like many Japanese festivals, Sanja Matsuri is a religious celebration, but it is an unusual survival of a cross-faith festival: it is a weekend-long Shinto festival that is dedicated to the kami (spirits) of three men who founded a Buddhist temple. It is believed that two fishermen—brothers named Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari—found a statuette of the Bodhisattva Kannon caught in a fishing net in the Sumida River on the early morning of March 18, 628.[5] The third man, a wealthy landlord named Hajino Nakatomo, heard about the discovery, approached the brothers and converted them to Buddhism. The three men then devoted their lives to the Buddhist faith and consecrated the statue in a small temple.[6] This temple, now known as the Sensō-ji, currently houses the Kannon statue and is the oldest temple in Tokyo.
The Sanja Matsuri appears to have many forms that date back as early as the 7th century, as well as several names such as "Kannon Matsuri" and "Asakusa Matsuri".[7] Sanja Matsuri's present day form was established during the Edo period. In 1649, shōgun Tokugawa Iemitsu commissioned the construction of Asakusa Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the three kami. The existence of this shrine helped to solidify the festival's importance as well as its current structure and organization.[8]
Description of events
Religious in origin, Sanja Matsuri is primarily a festival of celebration. The atmosphere around Asakusa during the weekend of the festival is charged and energetic. People continuously flood the streets surrounding the Sensō-ji and flutes, whistles, chanting and taiko (traditional Japanese drums) can be heard throughout the district.
The festival's main attractions are three Asakusa Shrine-owned mikoshi that appear on the third and final day of the festival. These three elaborate, black lacquered-wood shrines are built to act as miniature, portable versions of Asakusa Shrine. Decorated with gold sculptures and painted with gold leaf, each mikoshi weighs approximately one ton and cost ¥40 million ($390,760 in 2008) to construct.[4] They are carried on four long poles lashed together with ropes, and each needs approximately 40 people dispersed evenly to safely carry them. Throughout the day, a total of about 500 people participate in carrying each shrine.[4]
Because of the importance of these three mikoshi, they are spectacles as they are carried through the streets. The areas immediately surrounding each shrine are busy with people, and as they are carried, they are shaken and bounced vigorously. This action is believed to intensify the power of the kami that are seated in the shrines and helps to bestow good luck upon their respective neighborhoods.[9] It is not unusual for there to be someone standing on the poles supporting the mikoshi shouting and waving in order to help direct the people carrying the shrine. This sense of direction can be essential when trying to keep the one ton mikoshi from accidentally colliding with street-side shops and causing considerable damage.[4]
While the three primary mikoshi are the most important objects roaming the streets during the Sanja Matsuri, approximately 100 other smaller mikoshi are paraded through the neighborhood on Saturday. Of these shrines, several are solely carried by women or small children.[4]
Day by day
Though not a part of the festivities, the official start of the Sanja Matsuri begins on Thursday with an important religious ceremony. This ceremony requires Asakusa Shrine's head priest to perform a ritual that moves the enshrined kami of the three men at Asakusa Shrine to the three mikoshi that will be paraded around the Asakusa during the weekend.[10] By opening the small doors located on each mikoshi (the interior is obscured to the public by a small cotton curtain), the three spirits are invited into the miniature shrines where they will reside for the duration of the festival.[4]
The festival's more publicized beginning starts on Friday when the Daigyōretsu (大行列, literally "large parade") is held.[9] This famous 19-block grand procession down Yanagi Street and Nakamise-dōri to Asakusa Shrine is an event that is used to energize the community. It is most known for its participants' lavish costumes, such as heron-hooded dancers, geisha and city officials wearing hakama (traditional Japanese clothing).[4] Musicians, performers and dancers also parade down the streets of Asakusa in traditional Japanese attire during the procession. In the evening, six mikoshi from the most central neighborhoods are sent parading through the streets on the shoulders of several dozen people.[4]
On the following day, Saturday, approximately 100 mikoshi from the 44 Asakusa districts gather at the Kaminarimon.[8] They are then paraded through Nakamise-dōri and stop at the Hōzōmon where they pay their respects to Kannon. Afterwards, the mikoshi are carried to Asakusa Shrine where Shinto priests bless and purify them for the coming year.[8] When the ceremony is completed, they are then carried back and paraded through their respective neighborhoods.
Sanja Matsuri's most important events occurs on the following Sunday. The procession of the three Asakusa Shrine-owned mikoshi begin their march down Nakamise-dōri toward the Kaminarimon early Sunday morning. These three elaborate shrines honor and represent the three men responsible for founding the Sensō-ji. During this final day of the festival, these important mikoshi are split up in order to visit and bestow blessing to all 44 districts of downtown and residential Asakusa. When evening falls, the three shrines find their way back to Asakusa Shrine in another grand procession that lasts late into the night.[11]
Other attractions
In addition to the traditional events, Sanja Matsuri has several other popular draws. For example, festival goers can visit hundreds of shops found in the Nakamise, a street connecting the Kaminarimon and the Hōzōmon. Many small food stands are also erected in the surrounding areas for the entire weekend. Yakuza members also proudly show off their tattoos.[12]
Other spectacles that draw crowds are the Geisha and taiko performances that take place at specific times throughout the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, Geisha that don their traditional attire put on performances from 1–3 p.m. on the second floor of the Asakusa Kenban. These performances, which require visitors to purchase tickets, have been ranked as one of the 10 best Geisha shows in all of Japan.[13] On Sunday afternoon, members of the Nihon Taiko Dojo, a prominent Tokyo taiko academy, perform a free half-hour traditional music show at Asakusa Shrine.[4]
Festival schedule
Though there are many activities during Sanja Matsuri that are not time dependent, there are a few events that start and stop at specific times throughout the weekend.
| Time | Event | Description | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation, Thursday | ||||
| 7 am | Asakusa Shrine's Kami Relocation | The head priest moves the kami from Asakusa Shrine to the respective mikoshi | Asakusa Shrine | [10] |
| Day 1, Friday | ||||
| 1 p.m. | Daigyōretsu begins | Large parade involving many people and floats | Yanagi St. & Nakamise-dōri | [14] |
| 2:20 p.m. | Binzasara Dance | Traditional dance used to pray for prosperity and a good harvest | Haiden (hall in Asakusa Shrine) | [10][14] |
| 3 p.m. | Binzasara Dance | Traditional dance used to pray for prosperity and a good harvest | Kaguraden (pavilion in Asakusa Shrine) | [10][14] |
| Day 2, Saturday | ||||
| 12:30 p.m. | Local mikoshi depart | About 100 mikoshi from 44 districts of Asakusa begin their tour of the town | Asakusa Shrine | [10] |
| Day 3, Sunday | ||||
| 6 a.m. | Three main mikoshi depart | 3 main mikoshi depart from Asakusa shrine to start their tour of the districts of Asakusa | Asakusa Shrine | [14] |
| 8 p.m. | Three main mikoshi return | After touring the districts of Asakusa, the 3 main mikoshi return | Asakusa Shrine | [14] |
See also
References
- ^ MacGregor, Sandra (6 April 2023). "7 Must-See Spring Festivals In Japan To Experience In 2023". Forbes. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ "Japan Events and Festivals". HotelTravel.com. Archived from the original on 6 July 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ^ "Sanja Matsuri". Japan-guide.com. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Graham, Fiona. "Festival Frenzy". Metropolis. Archived from the original on 2008-02-21. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ "Guide to Senso Ji's Halls – Komagatado Hall". Archived from the original on 6 February 2014. Retrieved 2014-05-08.
- ^ "Asakusa Shrine". Retrieved 2008-03-21.
- ^ 三社祭とは? (in Japanese). Retrieved 2008-03-21.
- ^ a b c Turner, Taisha. "Japanese Festivals – Sanja Matsuri (Day 2)". BellaOnline. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ a b Miller, David. "Sanja Matsuri: Unique traditional Festival of Japan in Asakusa, Tokyo". Excelloz Travel. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ a b c d e 日程 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2008-03-21.
- ^ "The Asakusa Sanja Matsuri". The Digital Matsuri Project. 2006-05-21. Retrieved 2008-04-08.
- ^ "Sanja Matsuri Festival". AsiaRooms.com. Archived from the original on 2007-10-16. Retrieved 2008-06-30.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Mishima, Shizuko. "Top 10 Geisha Shows". About.com. Retrieved 2008-04-08.
- ^ a b c d e "Asakusa Sanja Matsuri". Japan National Tourist Organization. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
External links
- Official website (in Japanese)