Building a Dragon God (Photo Gallery)

Constructing the body with bamboo poles and straw.

The gaping mouth is more than 1.5 meters long, so the poles must be firmly lashed together.

The straw ears are tightly woven to prevent them from folding easily.

For the eyes and other parts requiring more detailed work, participants look at past photographs and get advice from experienced locals.

Residents work on the fearsome mouth of the dragon.

The completed nose waiting to be fixed in place.

The golden jewels said to be the source of the dragon god’s rainmaking power.

On the morning of the festival, children help to attach the bamboo plant scales.

After a day and a half of effort, the dragon god is complete.

Participants drink sake in the traditional kagami-biraki (opening of the mirror) at Shirahige Shrine before the festival begins. Here the dragon is transformed into a dragon god.

Shouldered by 300 local men, the dragon god really seems to be alive.

The Suneori Amagoi Festival is a spectacle that strengthens community ties.