This traditional event is held at Kawana Port in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It originates from the old custom of Kawana fisherman swinging mando lanterns as a contest of strength. During the autumn festival, three mando from the three neighborhoods of Kawana (Koura, Miyamachi, and Hihashicho) appear and are dedicated to the Kawana Mishima Shrine. The mando weighs approximately 60 kg. and each has ornaments mounted on the 3 meter pole. The carrier swings the mando as it is carried through town, praying for safety at sea and a bountiful catch. Dropping one is considered taboo. Festival floats from the neighborhoods and the portable shrine (mikoshi) of Mishima Shrine parade through the neighborhoods before descending to the beach to pray for maritime safety and large catches.
The Kawana Mishima Shrine is at the top of these steps. The festival begins with the procession coming down.
The drum is carried down by two men and put in a wooden stand.
This is the mikoshi (portable shrine) that will be carried all over town and into the sea by these strong young men.
The mando is big and heavy. It is carried by one person, with others ready to catch it, if needed. There are two hand holds on the back of the pole.
There are three of these decorated heavy wood carts. Inside are musicians.
Everyone follows along from the shrine to the beach.
The mikoshi and the men carrying it go into the sea.
When they come out of the sea, they carry the mikoshi over to the shrine elders (I don’t know their official name).
After that, they go back to the street, doing more stuff that I don’t understand.
This portable shrine is very heavy and these guys have been carrying it everywhere, and even running with it!
I don’t know why, but the men on the left are trying to stop the mikoshi.
This next series of photos show incredible strength and endurance. The mikoshi carriers jump in the air with the mikoshi on their shoulders.
Here you can see the handholds on the back of the mando and how others are ready to catch it, if needed.
The procession makes its way back to the shrine.
Below is a musician on the wagon.
It was very difficult to get the mikoshi back up the steps. It is very heavy and you know these men must be tired! It took about 25 minutes.
I have been to many festivals in Japan, and I think this one was the very best of all.
