The festival is considered one of Japan's strangest events for its history, tradition and parade procession.
Every three years in mid-October, the Obi Matsuri (or Obi Festival) takes place in Shimada, Japan. The next Obi Festival is October 12 - 14, 2007.
HISTORY
The Shimada Obi Festival dates back to 1695 when young brides traveled to Shimada and visited the town's Oi Shrine to pray for the birth of a healthy baby. Afterwards, while wearing their wedding obis (a sash) around their kimonos, they walked through Shimada and became a public attraction.
The young brides were shy about the attention and the town residents felt sorry for them. To protect their privacy but still display their obis, the residents created an affair similar to a fashion show at the Oi Shrine. Dancers displayed the obis on behalf of the brides and the event attracted parents of future brides and merchants.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Thousands of people gather for the three-day event to enjoy performances, a colorful parade and food. A parade of about 220 elaborately-costumed performers march down Shimada's main thoroughfare.
It includes 25 men called "o-yakko," acting as a security force for the daimayo (lord). The men wear royal blue robes, a white sash around the neck, gold pattered aprons around the waist, knee-high dark socks and straw sandals. Two, two-meter swords are strapped to their bodies and each sword displays an obi. Each o-yakko holds a purple Chinese umbrella above their heads with their left and uses the right arm to wave back and forth to keep balance while marching.
Following the o-yakko are a handful of men who run with tall poles topped with black and white feathers and long, red yarn dangling down. The poles are twirled and waved around. The top black portion keeps away evil spirits. The men hand the poles off to each other frequently and tease the crowd with the feathered pole.
A child representing the daimayo follows behind and is escorted on a horse. A sacred palanquin holding a goddess is carried by a dozen men. In Japanese tradition, they carefully and smoothly carry the goddess so not to disturb her. Rounding up the parade is a float with dancers and drummers pulled along with ropes by about a dozen people.
Throughout the Obi Festival, theatrical and musical performances are acted out in mini, portable theaters. Most notably and impressive are the young children performing scenes from traditional Japanese theatre. Dressed in vibrant, detailed costumes and makeup, they exhibit graceful precision.
Various food vendors serve rice, noodles and various grilled and boiled meats such as chicken and octopus. Beer is available along with green tea and sweet pastries.
DON'T MISS
- The region is recognized for its green tea. Pick up a packet of souvenir green tea in special packaging commemorating the Obi Festival.
- While in Shimada, visit the Horaibashi (Horai Bridge) spanning over the Oi River. "The Guinness Book of World Records" entered the bridge as the world's longest wooden footbridge in 1997.
GETTING THERE
Shimada is located in Shizuoka Prefecture and is about 208 kilometers west of Tokyo. Travel is easy via JR Central's Tokaido Main Line to the Shimada Japan Rail (JR) station.
Additional Information: Shimada Web site
