The annual autumn festival celebrated by the Karatsu Shrine is called “Karatsu Kunchi.” (The original meaning of kunchi was a religious event celebrated on the 9th day or kunichi of a month.) It is the most culturally representative of the festivals performed in Karatsu. Each year, in the evening of November 2, the festival begins with a parade of “Yoiyama” (evening floats), festooned with glowing lamps. On the 3rd and 4th, as many as fourteen Hikiyama are towed around the town to the spirited accompaniment of gongs, drums and flutes. The festival is designated as an important intangible folk cultural asset of the nation.
[Front face of a Yoiyama]
[Painting of Karatsu God Festival procession]
[Snapshots of fourteen Hikiyama]
Hikiyama No. 1 (1819) Akajishi or red lion (presented by Katana-machi)
Hikiyama No. 2 (1824) Aojishi or blue lion (presented by Naka-machi)
Hikiyama No. 3 (1841) Turtle and fisherman Taro Urashima (presented by Zaimoku-cho)
Hikiyama No. 4 (1844) Helmet of Samurai warrior Yoshitsune Minamoto (presented by Gohuku-machi)
Hikiyama No. 5 (1845) Tai or sea bream (presented by Uoya-machi)
Hikiyama No. 6 (1846) Hou-ou Maru or phoenix-shaped ship (presented by Oishi-machi)
Hikiyama No. 7 (1846) Hiryu or flying dragon (presented by Shin-machi)
Hikiyama No. 8 (1847) Kinjishi or golden lion (presented by Hom-machi)
Hikiyama No. 9 (1864) Helmet of Samurai lord Shingen Takeda (presented by Kiwata-machi)
Hikiyama No. 10 (1869) Helmet of Samurai lord Kenshin Uesugi (presented by Hirano-machi)
Hikiyama No. 11 (1869) Shuten Doji or drunken monster and the helmet of Samurai warrior Yorimitsu Minamoto (presented by Komeya-machi)
Hikiyama No. 12 (1875) Tamatori Jishi or lion balancing a ball (presented by Kyo-machi)
Hikiyama No. 13 (1876) Shachi or tiger-headed orca (presented by Kako-machi)
Hikiyama No. 14 (1876) Shichihou Maru or dragon-headed treasure boat (presented by Egawa-machi)
