One of the “big three” Hakata festivals, Hojoya will be held this year from September 12th to 18th at the Hakozaki-gu shrine. As well as the Shinto rituals, the approach to the shrine will also be lined with a great variety of stalls, attracting a lively throng of customers. The town of Hakozaki is centered around the shrine, and although at one time it had lost some of its energy due to the relocating of Kyushu University, in the last couple of years a number of unique new stores have opened and the town is bustling again. Steeped in culture and tradition, it’s a great place for an Autumn day out.
Autumn Festival “Hojoya”
No Autumn in Hakata is complete without a trip to Hakozakigu Shrine, and every year more than one million people come to visit the shrine. The Hojoya festival originates from the teachings of the kami Hachiman, and has continued for more than 1,000 years as a festival giving thanks for the blessings of nature. As well as observing the Shinto rituals such as the offering of gifts to the gods, one of the other attractions for modern visitors is the around 700 stalls lining the approach to the shrine. The variety of stalls on offer include not only typical festival fare like yakitori and takoyaki, but also stalls where you can play the pinball-like game “smart ball”, and even a more-funny-than-scary “haunted house”. From solemn Shinto rituals to busy street stalls, Hojoya presents the entire Japanese festival experience, so put on your yukata and head on down.
The Famous Shrine “Hakozaki-gu”
Hojoya is held at Hakozakigu Shrine, which was founded in the year 923. When the Mongols twice attempted to invade Japan in the latter half of the 13th century, their forces were decimated by heavy storms, which became known as “kamikaze” (divine winds) and were said to have been a result of the divine protection offered by Hakozakigu Shrine. This led to many important Japanese military leaders visiting the shrine in subsequent years, including such famous historical figures as Takauji Ashikaga and Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the latter of whom also held a large tea ceremony in Hakozaki. This was attended by revered tea master Sen no Rikyu, and the lantern that he offered still hangs in the interior of the main shrine. The main and outer shrines, two-storied gate, and main torii gate have been recognized as nationally-designated important cultural properties. As well as Hojoya, the Tamaseseri festival held on January 3rd is also popular among Hakata locals. Braving the cold weather, participants dressed in loincloths scramble for possession of a wooden ball in a competition said to determine one’s fortune for the coming year.
| 9/12 Sun. | 14:00 Kenka-sai (offering sweets to the gods) |
|
9/15 Wed. |
10:00 Hojoya Taisai (the main event) |
| 15:00 Kenka-sai (offering flowers to the gods) | |
| 9/16 Thu. | 11:00 Kencha-siki (offering tea to the gods) |
| 9/18 Fri. | 10:00 Nousai (closing ceremony) |
| 14:00 Hojo-shinji (children’s procession etc) |
Hakozaki Music Street
A brand new music event called “Hakozaki Music Street” will be held for the duration of this year’s Hojoya (September 12th to 18th). Nagata Bakery, Gallery & Live Space Momo-An, Cafe & Gallery Kubrick and Hakozaki Aquarium Tea Room will be hosting classical, jazz and bossa nova concerts. Check the event’s blog (hakomusic.exblog.jp) to see the schedule and list of artists. For inquiries call the Gallery & Live Space Momo-An on 090-4350-8798.
Hakozaki Art Week
Live performances, movie screenings, and exhibitions will be held at the Theater Hakozaki, Hakozaki Public Hall and JR Hakozaki Station as a special event for Hojoya. The opening day, Sunday the 12th, sees the street dance performance “Kamona Dance Relay!” held from 17:00, starting in the Public Hall and moving to Hakosaki-gu shrine, Hakozaki Aquarium Tea Room and JR Hakozaki Station. There are also events, such as a salsa party on the 15th, that anyone can come along and participate in. Inquiries: Hojoya Special Events Office 092-611-6745, web site: teatro-hakozaki.com
