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Mikoshi Collection

"Mikoshi: Uniting Communities and Celebrating Tradition" Every year, festivals across Japan come alive with the vibrant energy of mikoshi

Background imageMikoshi Collection: Festival

Festival
Makihiko Hayama

Background imageMikoshi Collection: Childrens Lantern Float, Kojimachi 1, 2, 3-chome Block Association, Sanno Festival, ca

Childrens Lantern Float, Kojimachi 1, 2, 3-chome Block Association, Sanno Festival, ca. 1780

Background imageMikoshi Collection: Gion Matsuri, Kyoto, Japan

Gion Matsuri, Kyoto, Japan
The Gion Festival (Gion Matsuri), which takes place annually in Kyoto and is one of the most famous festivals in Japan. The Festival is crowned by a parade (the Yamaboko Junko)

Background imageMikoshi Collection: Young boys carrying a Mikoshi - portable Shinto Shrine

Young boys carrying a Mikoshi - portable Shinto Shrine
Young boys carrying a Mikoshi (Divine Palanquin), a portable Shinto Shrine. Shinto followers believe that it serves as the vehicle to transport a deity in Japan while moving between main shrine

Background imageMikoshi Collection: Japanese men carry a Shinto Mikoshi portable shrine

Japanese men carry a Shinto Mikoshi portable shrine. Date: 1932

Background imageMikoshi Collection: Japanese children carry small Shinto Mikoshi portable shrine

Japanese children carry small Shinto Mikoshi portable shrine Date: 1932

Background imageMikoshi Collection: Portable Shrine

Portable Shrine
A little Japanese boy with a portable shrine topped with a stork, ready for a festival day, circa 1900. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageMikoshi Collection: Japan - Mikoshi (Divine Palanquin) - portable Shinto Shrine

Japan - Mikoshi (Divine Palanquin) - portable Shinto Shrine surrounded by a mass oc children. Shinto followers believe that it serves as the vehicle to transport a deity in Japan while moving between

Background imageMikoshi Collection: Mikoshi portable shrine being carried at Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival)

Mikoshi portable shrine being carried at Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival), Hofu city, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, Asia

Background imageMikoshi Collection: Women carrying a mikoshi portable shrine at Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival)

Women carrying a mikoshi portable shrine at Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival), Hofu city, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, Asia

Background imageMikoshi Collection: Mikoshi portable shrine of the gods parade and crowds of people

Mikoshi portable shrine of the gods parade and crowds of people, Sanja Matsuri Festival, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Jinja, Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan, Asia

Background imageMikoshi Collection: Portable shrine (Mikoshi)

Portable shrine (Mikoshi), Summer shrine festival, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan, Asia


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"Mikoshi: Uniting Communities and Celebrating Tradition" Every year, festivals across Japan come alive with the vibrant energy of mikoshi, portable Shinto shrines that hold deep cultural significance. One such festival is the Sanno Festival in Kojimachi 1, 2, 3-chome Block Association. Here, children proudly carry lantern floats adorned with colorful decorations through the streets. In Kyoto's renowned Gion Matsuri, young boys take on the responsibility of carrying a mikoshi on their shoulders. This ancient tradition showcases their strength and dedication to preserving Japanese customs. Not only men but also women actively participate in these festivities. At Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival), brave individuals carry mikoshis while clad only in loincloths regardless of gender. This unique event symbolizes purification and spiritual renewal. The sight of children carrying small Shinto mikoshis warms hearts during these joyous celebrations. They learn from an early age about their heritage and contribute to upholding traditions that have been passed down for generations. Mikoshis serve as a bridge between communities, bringing people together to celebrate shared beliefs and values. These portable shrines are believed to house divine spirits that bless those who carry them and protect the surrounding areas from misfortune. As each festival unfolds, drums beat rhythmically while chants fill the air—creating an atmosphere charged with excitement and reverence for this sacred ritual. The weight of history rests upon every shoulder bearing a mikoshi as they navigate through crowded streets amidst cheering crowds. Mikoshis represent more than just physical objects; they embody unity, resilience, and respect for ancestral customs deeply ingrained within Japanese culture. Their presence at festivals serves as a reminder of our connection to our roots—a testament to our collective identity as we move forward into an ever-changing world.