The festival “Horen Junko,” where a portable shrine decorated with a phoenix called a “Horen” and children in traditional chigo attire, along with people dressed as historical figures connected to Ashiya, parade through the city, was held for the first time in five years, so we went to check it out〜
↑This is the “Horen”! What an impressive portable shrine!
↑People dressed as historical figures connected to Ashiya, such as Lord Kusunoki Masashige, Saint Tokuhon, Lord Ariwara no Narihira, Prince Abo, and the nue, joined the procession!
↑At the front of the procession were two people holding spears and wearing tengu-like masks. They looked pretty strong〜! There were also taiko drums and a gagaku court music ensemble, and the group walked through the city accompanied by elegant music.
↑Children wearing happi coats were pulling the ropes of the Horen! They were doing their best〜!
↑In some sections, children in colorful chigo costumes also joined the procession!
↑The “Ashiya Hime”, who help promote traditional events, were absolutely beautiful too〜!
↑After leaving Ashiya Shrine, the Horen made its way to the area in front of JR Ashiya Station…
↑It passed through a tunnel under the elevated tracks…
↑It crossed National Route 43 and made its way along narrow residential streets, visiting all kinds of places around the city!
↑The “phoenix” on the roof of the Horen is said to be a mythical bird that appears as an auspicious sign of peace throughout the land. Hopefully it will continue to watch over Ashiya so the city remains a peaceful place where everyone can live happily!
