We went to the “Ashiya Danjiri Parade” and the “Ashiya Autumn Festival,” both of which were held successfully again this year!
Ashiya Danjiri Parade
The Danjiri Parade was held again this year on Ashiya Hondori, bringing together danjiri floats from all six districts of Ashiya!
↑ During the speeches by Ashiya Mayor Ryosuke Takashima and the invited guests, everyone was repeatedly reminded to “Stay safe and avoid injuries!” There seemed to be a lot of news about danjiri accidents this year, so it’s important to take every precaution and enjoy the festival safely.
↑ Before the Danjiri Parade, there was also a children’s mikoshi parade.
↑ The children even had what looked like a handmade mikoshi. So cute!
↑ After the speeches, Mayor Takashima climbed aboard the Nakanomachi danjiri, ready to go! He rides it every year, so he looks completely at home up there now.
↑ Each danjiri performed a dynamic “neri” display in the middle of the intersection.
↑ Every district put on its own distinctive performance!
↑ Of course, Nakanomachi performed with the mayor still aboard. What a great smile!
↑ One danjiri even livened things up with colorful party poppers. It really felt like a festival!
↑ At the end of the parade, all six districts gathered together and performed a simultaneous ceremonial salute! A huge crowd came to take photos and enjoy the danjiri.
Ashiya Autumn Festival
The “Ashiya Autumn Festival” was held at Omasu Park and Chaya Park, just a short walk from Ashiya Hondori!
↑ Here’s what the Omasu Park venue looked like. The weather was beautiful, and the park was packed with visitors!
↑ The prize drawing featured some fantastic prizes, including meat, fresh produce, and sweets. There was also a disaster-recovery support package selected by the Noto Town Society of Commerce and Industry in Ishikawa Prefecture.
↑ At the mochi-pounding area, visitors were treated to free freshly pounded mochi while supplies lasted!
↑ There were also plenty of stalls from popular Ashiya establishments such as “Bar Ashiya Nikki” and “Hotel Takezono Ashiya.”
↑ For lunch, we picked up rice balls from “Omusubi Ashiya Chaya” and fried chicken from “Chicken Heart.” With the gorgeous weather, it felt a little like enjoying lunch on a school outing.
↑ The Chaya Park venue mainly featured festival-style games for children, such as ring toss and prize draws.
↑ Lots of families came along and enjoyed a wonderful Sunday together!
In Closing
News reports about accidents have given danjiri festivals a somewhat dangerous image, but Ashiya’s festival takes safety seriously and feels like an event that people of all ages can enjoy. After all, even the mayor rides on a float!
We hope Ashiya’s danjiri festival continues safely and accident-free for many years to come!
だんじり参加したことある？
