An analysis of the Kishiwada Car Festival (だんじり Matsuri)🎊🚩

(The most shocking autumn festival in Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture)

Today, I'm taking you on a deep dive into one of Kansai's most famous, passionate, and powerful festivals— the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri ! Known throughout Japan for its speed and momentum, it's known as a symbol of masculinity and strength, and is the most representative traditional festival south of Sakai, Osaka Prefecture. Just the thought of giant wooden floats speeding through the streets gets my adrenaline pumping! 🔥

The origin and history of the festival📜

• Background : The history of the Kishiwada Jisha Festival dates back to the Edo period (approximately 300 years ago). It is said that in 1703, Okada Nagayasu, lord of the Kishiwada Domain, introduced the Inari faith from Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto and began organizing a Jisha parade to pray for a good harvest and prosperous commerce.
• Origin of the name : "Danjiri" is a Kansai dialect meaning "mountain cart", and in Kishiwada it specifically refers to this huge wooden cart with intricate carvings.
• Cultural Value : The Jisha Festival is not only a religious event, but also a cultural symbol that unites the community spirit. It attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists to Kishiwada City every year.

My thoughts: This grand festival isn't just about showing off one's strength; it also holds profound meanings of blessing and protection. No wonder it's been around for three hundred years! 🙏

Features of underground vehicles

1. Huge wooden structure

   • Each underground vehicle is about 4 meters high, 4 meters long and weighs several tons.
   • Carved by a master craftsman, the surface features intricate wood carvings depicting myths, historical stories and legends.
   • I think this is not just a ritual tool, but a moving work of art! ✨

2. Huge number

   • There are more than 80 trams in Kishiwada City, and each town (district) has its own tram.
   • Each car represents the glory of a community and is full of competition.

3. Control method

   • Hundreds of men were needed to pull and push it with ropes.
   • Especially at the moment of turning, the display of speed and power is the most shocking. This is the essence of the festival - "やりまわし" (rapid turning).

The biggest highlight of the festival🔥

1.やりまわし（High speed turning）

• The tram was running at full speed around the street corner, with hundreds of people pulling and pushing it together, completing the sharp turn in an instant.
• The scene was thrilling and exciting, and the train could capsize if one was not careful, so the audience held their breath.
• I couldn't help but shout "This is crazy!" when watching the video. The scene must be even more exciting! 💥

2. Big drum and flute 🎶

• There will be taiko and flute performances on the subway, with fast and exciting rhythms, which boost the overall atmosphere.
• Drummers and flute players are usually teenagers, symbolizing inheritance and youthful power.

3. Rooftop Dancer

• There will be a man standing on the top of the subway car, waving his arms and jumping to direct the direction to the beat of the drum.
• This role is extremely dangerous, but at the same time it attracts the most attention and is regarded as a man's honor.
• The editor thinks this is basically a combination of "street stage play" + "extreme sports"!

Festival time and process🗓️

• Main dates : mid-September each year (usually the weekend before Respect for the Aged Day).
• Schedule :
  1. Test pull : A warm-up before the festival, allowing everyone to feel the weight and speed of the ground vehicle.
  2. Night Palace (Day 1) : Metropolitan buses run both day and night, and the streets are brightly lit.
  3. Hongu (Day 2) : The climax of the event, including high-speed racing and the spectacular "Yarimawashi".

Editor's note: You can see the speed and power during the day, and feel the romantic atmosphere of lights and music at night. Don't miss both! 🌙✨

Local atmosphere and civic spirit 🏘️

• The entire city of Kishiwada is like a giant stage during the festival.
• Every resident of the town is fully involved, from children to the elderly, each with their own role.
• The audience not only watched the fun, but also got involved and cheered together.
• I think this kind of "everyone participating" atmosphere is more exciting than any concert! 🔥

Tips from the editor ✨

• Viewing suggestion : The best place is on the street corner, where you can see the stunning scene of "やりまわし" up close.
• Getting there : Due to the large crowds during the festival, it is recommended to take the Nankai Electric Railway to Kishiwada Station, which is within walking distance of the main venue.
• Note : The speed of the underground car is amazing, so spectators should stand in a safe area and avoid getting too close.
• Enjoy delicious food : During the festival, there are stalls everywhere, selling everything from takoyaki, grilled chicken skewers, to shaved ice. It's so wonderful to enjoy the food while watching the festival! 🍢🍧

Summary❤️

The Kishiwada Motorcycle Festival is not only one of Japan's most passionate festivals, but also a symbol of Osaka's spirit, drive, and unity. The rumbling sound, the thrill of the trains whizzing around corners, and the sight of hundreds of people cheering in unison are deeply etched in our memories.

I think this isn't just a festival, but an explosion of vitality. If you love speed, power, and traditional culture, this festival is definitely a must-try on your bucket list! 🔥