Town of Ikata

Misaki Events

May

Fishing Festival

This event is held every year at the beginning of May, with as many as 100 fishing boats proudly displaying their "Big Catch" flags against the glittering sea in the "Misaki Fishermen's Parade." Other attractions include the release of baby fish into the ocean, bare-handed fish wrangling, fireworks, and more.

October

Misaki Autumn Festival

At this festival, held every year on October 8 and 9, you can see the traditional "Cow Demon and Four Taiko Procession," which dates back to the early Edo period.

The Cow Demon, whose 10 m- (33 ft)-long body supports a blue-painted ferocious head, and the four Taiko drummers, who pound 10 x 4 m (33 x 13 ft) drums, separate to the east and west, then clash in a great kicking battle that is an allegory for the Genji-Heike wars of ancient Japan.

February

Futanazu Oise Dance

(Town-designated Cultural Asset)

The Futanazu neighborhood Oise Dance is held every year during the Spring Festival on February 10 and 11.

This dance usually involves about 40 dancers, from the two young men who wear special costumes to represent gods, to local government officials, and anyone else who wishes to join.

The Oise Dance began long ago with the second Mongol invasion of Japan (1281), when Japan was miraculously saved by typhoons for the second time. People took the typhoons as a sign that anything could be overcome with the help of the gods, and the Oise Dance was created to celebrate their glory. It is not clear exactly when Futanazu's Oise Dance began, but it is said that at one point there was a great fire in the village, and they began performing the dance soon afterwards.