Guide
Heto Mato is a historic ritual passed down through the Shimozakiyama district of Fukue Island in Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture. It was designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1987. One of its most captivating features is the mystery surrounding its name and origin, which remains unknown to this day. The festival is highly regarded in the field of Japanese folk performing arts because it preserves a sequence of several distinct rituals as a single, continuous event. It is a concentrated expression of the island's unique culture, performed to seek divine protection and pray for prosperity and the prevention of disasters.
The history of Heto Mato is ancient, with mentions in the 'Sakiyama Village Local History' published in 1918. According to oral traditions from village elders, the origins of the ritual may date back as far as the 1890s. Historically, the event served as a type of 'fortune-telling ritual' performed at the end of the New Year's purification ceremony, symbolizing a ritual of purification (misogi) to show a reborn state of life. In the past, through activities like tug-of-war and competing for objects, the community would divine the success of the upcoming year's harvest and fishing. While many traditional events have declined due to social changes, Heto Mato remains a living cultural heritage deeply rooted in the local community.
The festival begins with 'Miya Sumo' (Shrine Sumo) at the Shiramahama Shrine, where children and young men compete in strength, signaling the start of the festivities. This is followed by 'Hanetsuki' (Feather Striking), a beautiful ritual where two newly married women stand on top of sake barrels and strike feathers toward each other, symbolizing wishes for fertility and prosperity.
Another intense highlight is 'Tama-seri,' where young men covered in soot fiercely compete to grab straw balls wrapped in rope. The energy builds further with a vigorous tug-of-war performed by men wearing traditional loincloths (fundoshi), used to predict the year's harvest. The climax of the festival is the appearance of the 'Dai-zori'—massive straw sandals approximately 3 meters in length. During the procession to carry these giant sandals to Yamashiro Shrine, the atmosphere becomes festive and grand, often featuring the celebratory tossing of unmarried women into the air.
Heto Mato is held annually on the third Sunday of January. The festivities typically begin around 1:00 PM. Please be aware that the Goto Islands can be quite cold in January, so prepare for low temperatures. To fully enjoy the experience, we recommend watching the entire sequence from the start—from the sumo and feather striking to the intense tug-of-war and the grand finale of the giant straw sandal procession.
This event is primarily a spectacle for observation rather than direct participation. You can witness the sacred rituals up close from the roadside as the procession moves through the Shimozakiyama area, starting from Shiramahama Shrine. Watching the locals perform these ancient rites in traditional attire and loincloths offers a profound understanding of the authentic spirit of Japanese festivals.
The festival takes place in the Shimozakiyama district of Fukue Island, Goto City. The central locations are the Shiramahama Shrine and Yamashiro Shrine, which serve as the spiritual hubs of the community. You can also explore the unique landscapes and historical structures characteristic of the Goto Islands along the festival route.
As the festival occurs in January, heavy winter clothing is essential. Please bring a thick coat, gloves, and heat packs (kairo) to stay warm. Because the 'Tama-seri' and the giant sandal procession involve very energetic and intense movements, please maintain a safe distance from the participants for your own safety. Please respect the local residents and the sanctity of the rituals by observing proper etiquette and not obstructing the proceedings.