Jidai Matsuri

Kyoto Jidai Matsuri

     The festival of ages called “Jidai Matsuri” is annually held on October 22th. This is one of the biggest festivals in Kyoto along with Aoi Matsuri, which is annually held on May 15th, and Gion Matsuri, which is held from July 17th to 24th.  It started in 1895 to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Kyoto in 794.Next year will be the festival’s 100th anniversary.
     In the parade, gorgeous procession can be seen which expresses the old and traditional Japanese life style. It is like historical picture scrolls. Many people march along streets playing music instruments such as Japanese flutes or drums dressing in “Kimono”, or Japanese beautiful traditional clothes. Some people swing the street carrying sacred portable shrine called “Mikoshi”. About 150,000, Not only Japanese but also people from all over the world, come to see the parade. The streets from the Kyoto Imperial garden called “gosho” to Heian Shrine are full of people on the day of the festival.
     For 12 years, Ms. Tatumoto who has designed commemorative merchandise which has been sold in the Sakyo post office. While formulating a design for this year, Ms. Tatumoto remembered that it is the 400th anniversary of Kabuki Theater. She decided to draw a picture of Ms. Okuni Izumo, the founder of Kabuki Theater. In the picture Ms. Okuni Izumo is shown walking in front of the Heian shrine.
     Kyoto Jidai Matsuri
     The festival of ages called “Jidai Matsuri” is annually held on October 22th. This is one of the biggest festivals in Kyoto along with Aoi Matsuri, which is annually held on May 15th, and Gion Matsuri, which is held from July 17th to 24th.  It started in 1895 to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Kyoto in 794.Next year will be the festival’s 100th anniversary.
     In the parade, gorgeous procession can be seen which expresses the old and traditional Japanese life style. It is like historical picture scrolls. Many people march along streets playing music instruments such as Japanese flutes or drums dressing in “Kimono”, or Japanese beautiful traditional clothes. Some people swing the street carrying sacred portable shrine called “Mikoshi”. About 150,000, Not only Japanese but also people from all over the world, come to see the parade. The streets from the Kyoto Imperial garden called “gosho” to Heian Shrine are full of people on the day of the festival.
     For 12 years, Ms. Tatumoto who has designed commemorative merchandise which has been sold in the Sakyo post office. While formulating a design for this year, Ms. Tatumoto remembered that it is the 400th anniversary of Kabuki Theater. She decided to draw a picture of Ms. Okuni Izumo, the founder of Kabuki Theater. In the picture Ms. Okuni Izumo is shown walking in front of the Heian shrine.
     The people who dress up as famous historical figures are an important part of this festival. One of the significant figures represented The Tale of Genji, Ms. Murasaki Shikibu. For the first time in 50 years, the design of the Murasaki Shikibu Kimono has been changed. The new Kimono cost 990,000yen, because it was made out of silk. In addition, 270 other costumes were changed. 203 costumes, including Mr. Oda Nobunaga’s armor were repaired. (www.kyoto-np.co.jp)

Works Cited

 Jidai Matsuri

2003/11/18 Kyoto newspaper The people who dress up as famous historical figures are an important part of this festival. One of the significant figures represented The Tale of Genji, Ms. Murasaki Shikibu. For the first time in 50 years, the design of the Murasaki Shikibu Kimono has been changed. The new Kimono cost 990,000yen, because it was made out of silk. In addition, 270 other costumes were changed. 203 costumes, including Mr. Oda Nobunaga’s armor were repaired. (www.kyoto-np.co.jp) Works Cited

 Jidai Matsuri

2003/11/18 Kyoto newspaper