《Feature》
This festival is the grand festival of Kumakabutoarakashihiko Shrine (Kumakabuto Shrine) and is called ‘Hatsuka Festival’ because it is held on September 20th every year.
The portable shrines from nineteen subordinate shrines in each community within the town come into the main shrine, with the chanting calls of ‘iyasakasaa’ and the lively sound of gong and drum through the guidance of Sarutahiko (Shinto god). These are accompanied by roughly twenty meter high, deep red colored wakubata woolen banners and tools.
After all the portable shrines enter into the front shrine, the Houhei Ceremony is held at the main shrine. Young people beat gongs and drums, and Sarutahiko dances to the sound throughout the grounds of the shrine.

［Government-Designated Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset]
Provided by Nanao City Tourism Association
Translation: Yoko Hokari, reviewed by Catherine Newman