Sōshū Mikoshi
Mikoshi carried in the Shonan area of Kanagawa Prefecture was originally called “Dokkoi Mikoshi” or “Sōshū Mikoshi” because of the way they were carried. Shōshū Mikoshi are carried in a unique way. In order to carry the Mikoshi, there are two horizontal poles. Mikoshi bearers position themselves in the space between the poles with one pole resting on one shoulder. They hold onto the pole with the hand of that arm. There are metal rings on the Mikoshi that someone beats to a rhythm while participants chant, “Yoi, yoito,” and a lively song, called a jinku, is sung.
Vancouver Mikoshi
With Mikoshi as the central focus, we would like to share Japanese traditions overseas. Vancouver’s Mikoshi is a Shōshū style Mikoshi.
A characteristic of this Mikoshi that is unique overseas is its harmony of sounds: the rhythm beat on the handles attached to the sides of the palanquin, the jinku, and ringing bells. This unique characteristic now belongs to Vancouver. As this Mikoshi was built by the Chigasaki-based Mikoshi craftsman Yasunori Nakazato, it was publicized in newspapers in both Vancouver, BC and Chigasaki, Kanagawa as a Mikoshi of friendship. Upon its completion, the Mikoshi was blessed and taken on its maiden voyage at Matsuo Daijin Shrine in Chigasaki, Kanagawa.
In the summer of 2017, with the support and cooperation of many people, a ceremony took place at Sunset Beach to hand over the Mikoshi to Vancouver, a city by the sea. There, the Mikoshi was carried for the first time in Vancouver. The following day, the Mikoshi was carried through the streets of Vancouver for all to see during the Canada 150 Parade on Canada Day.
＜Vancouver hamafuri＞
The ceremony to hand over the Mikoshi at Sunset Beach coincided with Canada Day, and has continued each year since as “Vancouver’s Hamaori Festival.” We hope that the event (carrying the Mikoshi at the beach in the summer to wish Vancouver good luck and prosperity) will come to be loved by many.