Guide
The Katsuyama Kenka Danjiri is a traditional festival held over two days on October 19th and 20th in the Katsuyama district of Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture. Recognized as one of the three great Danjiri festivals of Okayama, it is deeply intertwined with the local history. The most striking feature is the 'Kenka Danjiri' (fighting float style), where 2-to-3-ton heavy wooden floats collide head-on. More than 30 men shout 'Oisa!' in unison, following the signal of a ceremonial lantern, as the floats engage in a fierce, 10-minute battle. The ground-shaking impact and the intense energy of the crowd perfectly illustrate the powerful traditions passed down through generations.
The history of this festival is long-standing, with records dating back to 1854 when three floats were already in use. During the late Meiji to Taisho eras, the style evolved into the current horse-drawn carriage format, establishing the 'Kenka Danjiri' style seen today. While it was once primarily a male-centric festival, in recent years, more women have participated, and people of all ages and genders now wear the traditional happi coats to preserve the culture. For locals, this festival is a vital part of their identity and a major reason to return home to the region.
The highlight is the nighttime 'Kenka Danjiri.' The collisions take place at four specific battlegrounds (Jounai, Yamamoto-cho, Nakagawa-cho, and Shinmachi) located between the Maniwa Central Library and the Shinmachi Shopping Street. The competition to secure a strategic position using the 'Tsuki-bo' (front pole) is incredibly intense. Additionally, on the 20th at 3:00 PM, the 'Danjiri Taiko San-tojo' (Ascent Race) takes place, where floats race up a 100-meter slope in front of Chugoku-Katsuyama Station, showcasing incredible speed and skill.
The festival takes place annually on October 19th and 20th. On the 18th, the 'Yoimatsuri' (Eve Festival) begins around 5:00 PM as 11 floats gather at Jounai Haya-hi Shrine and move toward the Shinmachi area for inspections and weight checks. Since the main 'Kenka Danjiri' events occur at night, visitors should be prepared for cooler evening temperatures and limited visibility in the streets.
As a spectator, you can feel the vibration of the ground and hear the powerful shouts of 'Oisa!' up close. Beyond just watching, you can experience the raw energy of Japanese tradition. For those interested in seeing the floats up close, the Shirowaka-ren float garage located in the parking lot in front of the Maniwa Central Library displays the floats, historical posters, and traditional happi coats.
The festival unfolds through the historic streets of the Katsuyama district. This area was registered as the first 'Katsuyama Townscape Preservation District' in Okayama Prefecture in 1990, maintaining a beautiful, nostalgic atmosphere. The area is also known for its 'Noren no Machi' (Curtain Town) atmosphere during the Hinamatsuri in early March. During the festival, the shopping streets and shrines become incredibly lively.
The festival attracts large crowds and high heat/energy. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes. Since many events happen at night, dress for changing temperatures. Please follow the instructions of local staff and respect the safety boundaries to ensure a smooth festival progression.