Ōtsu Matsuri Celebration at Japan House London
- 30 November 2024
- 12:00 – 18:00
- The Hall and the Library, Japan House London, 101-111 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA
- https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/otsu-matsuri-celebration-at-japan-house-london/
- +44 (0)20 7932 7100
- info@japanhouselondon.uk
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Join a full day of festivities at Japan House London, in this first-ever overseas celebration of Ōtsu Matsuri.
One of three major festivals (matsuri) in Shiga Prefecture, Ōtsu Matsuri usually takes place on the second Sunday of October in Ōtsu City. Located on the southwestern shore of Lake Biwa, Ōtsu City is home to many historical sites and scenic spots.
Ōtsu Matsuri is most famous for its display of 13 hikiyama floats which are paraded around the city and accompanied by lively hayashi music, composed of drums, flutes and percussion instruments. These magnificent, ornate floats are decorated with karakuri ningyō – mechanized and moving puppets – and European tapestries, the origin of which still remains a mystery. On the day of the festival, people enjoy the festive atmosphere and local culinary specialties, while chimaki straw decorations are thrown from the floats at the cheering spectators. The lucky ones who manage to catch them are said to enjoy good fortune for the following year until the next Ōtsu Matsuri celebration.
Ōtsu Matsuri is recognized as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset in Japan.
Programme
The festivities start on the evening of 29 November with a lantern display and impromptu festival music performances. If you happen to be passing by Japan House London that evening from 18:00, come in to get a taster of what yomiya, the eve of the festival, feels like.
The following day, 30 November, is the main event, with the festival floats represented at Japan House London by a replica tapestry displayed in the Hall. The first time this has been exhibited abroad, the Belgian tapestry which decorates the Gekkyūdenzan float at Ōtsu Matsuri, depicts a scene from the fall of the city of Troy.
Biwako Visitor Bureau staff will be available at the Travel Information Area throughout the day to provide tourist information about visiting Shiga Prefecture.
30 November, 12:00-15:00, 16:00-17:00 GMT, The Library
Drop-in papercraft workshops: Create your own paper chimaki
30 November, 13:30-14:00, 17:00-17:30 GMT, The Hall
Drop-in music performances: Enjoy the festival music, meet the musicians and learn more about the instruments
30 November, 15:00-16:00, GMT, The Hall
Talk event:
Celebrating Ōtsu Matsuri
In-conversation event with Funahashi Hiroaki, chairman of Ōtsu Matsuri Hikiyama Federation, explores Ōtsu Matsuri’s past and present, its celebration and preparation, and the story of its tapestries. The event includes a short performance of hayashi festival music and a brief presentation on Shiga Prefecture by a representative from Biwako Visitor Bureau.
About the speaker
Funahashi Hiroaki was born 1961 and has performed in the Ōtsu Festival on the Gekkyūdenzan float since the age of four, playing taiko drums, kane bells and flutes. Until his retirement in 2021, he worked in the Public Relations Department of the Biwako Visitors Bureau promoting tourism in Shiga Prefecture and its cultural heritage with special focus on Ōtsu Matsuri.
From June 2021, he served as vice chairman of the Ōtsu Matsuri Hikiyama Federation, a non-profit organization organizing the festival, and since June 2023 he has served as its chair.
About the performers
The history of the Gekkyūdenzan group can be traced as far back as 1791, and its traditions have been passed on from generation to generation to the present day. The ensemble performs during the Ōtsu Matsuri on the float under the same name. While paying great attention to regular practice and improvement of their skills, the musicians work towards fostering the appreciation of festival music among children through workshops and regular classes.
This event is held as part of the Spotlight on Local Japan Programme which accepts applications from potential collaborators based in Japan to co-create cultural events presenting Japan’s regional diversity at Japan House London.
Please note that filming and photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please contact us online or contact a member of the team on site.
Booking essential for the talk only | Workshops and performances are drop-in | Admission free
