Matsuri Festivals
Taken Gei
Oct 14 – Oct 15 · Jofuku Inari Shrine and Wakamiya Inari Shrine, Nagasaki · Nagasaki
This event has ended. See what is coming up next:
Dates
- Oct 14 – Oct 15, 2026
About this event
SummaryExperience the extraordinary acrobatic performance of fox messengers at the Wakamiya Inari Shrine autumn festival.
Highlights
• Two performers in male and female fox masks perform on bamboo poles over 10 meters high.
• Acrobatics depict playful spirits frolicking in a bamboo grove.
• Recognized as a National Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Details
This unique event is dedicated to the autumn festival of Wakamiya Inari Shrine. The performance features two young artists wearing masks representing male and female foxes, the shrine's messengers. They execute difficult acrobatic stances on two tall bamboo poles, each exceeding 10 meters in height. The art form originates from a Chinese dance known as Rakan Odori (also referred to as Raikan or Rohan Odori), symbolizing the fox spirits joyfully playing in the bamboo grove behind the shrine. Historical records indicate the tradition began in 1820 (3rd year of the Bunsei era) when residents of Yahatoya-cho (Yahatomachi/Yaoyamacho) presented the performance to Suwa Shrine during the Nagasaki Kunchi. The event has been designated as a National Intangible Folk Cultural Property and a Prefectural (City) Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Also on the list: Matsuri Festivals in Nagasaki
-
Nagasaki Kunchi Festival
Suwa Shrine, Chuo Park, Otabisho, Hachiman Shrine and Minato Park, Nagasaki
No events on these dates. Try another filter.
