Roughhousing with the Deity: Three Festivals in Ishikawa, Kumamoto, and Shiga Prefectures

Kiriko surround a 7-meter-tall torch. (© Haga Library)

Women and children riding on a kiriko float provide musical accompaniment. (© Haga Library)

The kiriko can reach 7 meters in height. Before 1921, when power lines were installed, they were even taller. (© Haga Library)

The deity Susano-o occupies these two mikoshi. (© Haga Library)

Rough handling pleases the deity. (© Haga Library)

Into the water, into the flames! (© Haga Library)

Oblivious to the heat, bearers expose the mikoshi to the bonfire. (© Haga Library)

The mikoshi return to the shrine late at night. (© Haga Library)

The mikoshi is thrown to the ground. (© Haga Library)

Everyone in the village turns out to give the deity a sendoff. (© Haga Library)

Dancing to welcome the deity to its new home for the year. (© Haga Library)

The mikoshi is thrown down multiple times during the procession. (© Haga Library)

The more banged-up the mikoshi is, the greater pleasure it gives to the deity and the villagers. (© Haga Library)

Ropes control the mikoshi’s descent down the steep slope. (© Haga Library)

The mikoshi weighs over 500 kilograms. (© Haga Library)

This 60-degree incline is the most challenging spot. (© Haga Library)

The cheering crowd greets the safe arrival of the mikoshi. (© Haga Library)

The festival is also a coming-of-age event. (© Haga Library)