Hakata Gion Yamakasa Matsuri

Abstract

The Hakata Gion Yamakasa Matsuri is an annual cultural festival held in Fukuoka, Japan. It is recognized as one of the most important and longest-running matsuri in Japan. The festival lasts for fifteen days, from July 1st to 15th. Its historical roots date back to 1241 AD. Known as the yamakasa race, yamakasa has two types, kakiyamakasa and kazariyamakasa. The festival features floats paraded by teams from various districts. This paper aims to explore the festival's meaning, history, and role within the context of Japanese culture, as well as its impact on local communities. Community participation in the festival strengthens social bonds and contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage.