Guide
Kaseatori is a traditional folk ritual held every year on February 11th (Koshogatsu/Little New Year) in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture. The central figures, known as Kaseatori, wear a conical straw cape called a "Kendai" over their heads and march through the city while chanting a unique rhythmic cry, "Kakka-ka!" This event is characterized as a "visiting deity" ritual, where a divine presence arrives from a distant land to celebrate the year's abundance. Local residents shower the Kaseatori with water to pray for bountiful harvests, business prosperity, family safety, and protection against fire.
The name Kaseatori has various historical spellings related to prosperity and fire prevention, such as "Kasei-tori" (fire-fighting bird) or "Kasegi-tori" (earning bird). The ritual represents a deity arriving to celebrate the year's bounty. While the tradition has changed over time, it was revived in its current form in 1959. In 1986, the Kaminoyama Folklore Kaseatori Preservation Society was established to ensure the preservation of the traditional music and dance styles. Today, it is a significant cultural event that attracts both locals and visitors from across the country.
The event begins with a prayer ceremony at the plaza in front of the Kaminoyama Castle main gate. The highlight is the energetic dance of the Kaseatori, who leap and dance to the sounds of flutes, drums, and hand cymbals while shouting "Kakka-ka!" Following the opening, the procession splits into several groups to parade through the city center and the hot spring (Onsen) district, performing in front of shops and inns. A truly high-energy moment occurs when spectators use buckets and ladles to splash water on the Kaseatori. Additionally, you can participate by offering small monetary gifts (shugibun) to those carrying the money baskets, who may then grant you a protective charm for fire prevention.
The ritual takes place during the daytime on February 11th. Please note that this occurs during the peak of winter's freezing cold. The procession moves from the area around Kaminoyama Castle through the city center to the hot spring district, so the route and scenery change depending on the time of day. We recommend observing the dynamic movements of the water-splashing ritual amidst the intense winter atmosphere.
Visitors can participate in the ritual by splashing "celebratory water" on the Kaseatori using buckets or ladles. This water carries a symbolic meaning of protection against fire. You may also see the Kaseatori shake their bodies to spray the water from their straw capes (Kendai) onto the surroundings. It is a wonderful opportunity to see traditional Japanese attire, such as the straw capes and handmade straw sandals (waraji), up close during the parade.
The starting point near Kaminoyama Castle offers a beautiful, historical landscape. The parade route winds through the traditional streets of Kaminoyama and the hot spring district, providing a perfect backdrop for the festival. After the event, you can enjoy relaxing in the nearby hot spring towns while immersing yourself in the local culture.
As the event is held on February 11th, temperatures are extremely low. We strongly recommend wearing heavy winter clothing and preparing for the cold. Since there is a water-splashing ritual, you may get wet, so please dress accordingly. Please respect the local traditions and maintain decorum around residents. If you wish to offer a monetary gift, please prepare cash. When taking photos, please be mindful of the participants and avoid obstructing the procession.