The Okuma Kabuto Festival is an annual event at the Kumakabuto Arakashihiko-jinja Shrine in Nanao, Ishikawa Prefecture. This festival pays tribute to the samurai era and commemorates significant historical figures and events in Nanao’s history.
Okuma Kabuto Festival
Photo by: PIXTA/Choco Mint The festival’s main character, Sarutahiko.
The festival is named “Kabuto” after the helmet worn by the samurai. Local participants wear complete samurai armor, including well-crafted kabuto helmets, for a striking parade. Many of the participants are either local history enthusiasts or descendants of samurai families, and they take immense pride in their roles. The festival honors and celebrates the bravery and spirit of these warriors.
The Okuma Kabuto Festival’s standout feature is the lively Mikoshi procession of nineteen local shrines. The procession symbolizes gratitude and celebration for the year’s abundant harvest. During the festival, participants carry a huge 20-meter-tall crimson wakubata flag. They wave these impressive flags to the rhythm of taiko drums, gongs (flat, circular metal disc bells) and chants as they enter the main shrine area of Kumakabuto. An unmissable part of this festival is witnessing Sarutahiko’s light-footed dance. As the festival’s lead character, this Shinto deity plays a crucial role in the procession. An actor portrays Sarutahiko, who is known for his distinctive red face and long nose. Onlookers get to see an old Japanese god dancing happily to the captivating sounds of drums and bells, making the atmosphere cheerful.
Festival Highlights
Photo by: PIXTA/yoshihiro52 Crimson wakubata flags
One of the festival highlights is Shimada-kuzushi. During the event, dozens of massive crimson wakubata flags gather in one area. The green mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for the festival. It is a breathtaking sight to witness the flags skillfully tilted almost to the ground, showcasing the participants’ expertise and skill. This event adds an element of friendly competition and shows the rich cultural significance of the festival.
The Okuma Kabuto Festival is a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, which shows how it helps to protect and promote Noto’s diverse cultural heritage. The festival is a joint effort that brings together various local groups and organizations. Its vibrant procession, captivating performances, and engaging events make it a must-see cultural experience for anyone interested in Japanese traditions and history.
