Kunchi comes from the ancient custom of holding a celebration on the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar, which was considered a lucky day. The ninth day is pronounced "Ku-ni-chi", which gradually changed into "Kunchi" in Nagasaki, and came to mean a celebration holiday. Suwa shrine was built in 1624. The Nagasaki Kunchi festival, now has a history of more than 370 years.
Kabashima-machi Taikoyama Kokkodesyo
"Kokkodesyo", shape like a portable shrine with Japanese cushion piled on the top of it, represents a treasure ship sailing across the mighty ocean. It has been 212 years since it first appeared in Kunchi. The highlight of the performance is when the ship is thrown high into the air and caught with the rallying cry "Kokkodesyo!!" Throwing the ship is so tough that it is said to be "beyond one's strength", so you will be very impressed by their brave performance.
This is 2011 annual summer festival at the Tamaoya shrine which is more than 1300 years old.
Japanese traditional ceremony, SHISHIMAI dedication to god of Tamaoya shrine at the 1st Torii gate of the shrine(Video. 1).
Video. 1 Video of Japanese traditional ceremony, Shishimai dedication.
The lion dances called the SHISHIMAI, to drive away wild animals and evil spirits, are integral to festivals.
After the SHISHIMAI dedication, shrine parishioner carry the FUTONDAIKO temporary shrine on there's shoulder. Although different style, this is same dedication to god. So, this is very very exciting.. And extremely hard style dedication to god, but they have to dedicate in this momentary annual summer festival！!
Because, this is to drive away wild animals and evil spirits traditional ceremony.
You should view and hear the FUTONDAIKO temporary shrine video. "Hear!! Don Den Don beat the TAIKO drum sound !!!"(Video. 2).
Video. 2 Video of FUTONDAIKO temporary shrine.
Shrine parishioner were carrying on and shaking and put up the very heavy Futondaiko temporary shrine.
