The traditional Manazuru-Kibune Boat Festival concluded on July 25 [4] in Manazuru-cho, Kanagawa Prefecture, featuring a parade of decorated boats and historic dances.
The event serves as a critical effort to preserve Edo-period traditions and pass boat-rowing skills to the next generation after disruptions from COVID-19 and typhoons. It centers on prayers for abundant fisheries and safety at sea [5].
Central to the festivities is the 鹿島踊り (Kashima Odori) and the movement of a mikoshi, which descends a stone staircase of 108 steps [2] to reach the harbor. The celebration culminates in a procession of boats, highlighted by a flagship "kobune" measuring approximately 13 meters [1]. This vessel is rowed into the sea accompanied by music and ornate decorations.
Local participants noted the visual appeal of the event. "The boat decorations were so cute and sparkling, and the children enjoyed watching them," a participant said [6]. Another participant said they did not expect the boats to be so flashy or to sway so much during the event [7].
Despite the successful conclusion, the festival faced slight changes in scale this year. Organizers said there was one boat fewer among the small boats compared to previous iterations [3]. The event took place at the port of Kibune Shrine, where the community gathered to maintain a cultural legacy that dates back centuries [5].
“The boat decorations were so cute and sparkling, and the children enjoyed watching them”
The continuation of the Manazuru-Kibune festival signifies a broader trend in Japan of reviving local heritage sites and rituals following the pandemic. While the slight reduction in the number of participating boats suggests ongoing challenges in recruitment or resource management, the emphasis on youth engagement indicates a strategic attempt to prevent the extinction of Edo-period maritime traditions.
