Guida
Located at Fukuoka Shrine in Hoki, Tottori Prefecture, the 'Takomai Shiki-shinji' is a traditional Shinto ritual held every October and is celebrated as one of Japan's three most unusual festivals (Ki-sai). The ritual is based on a legend where the deity Hayatama-no-mikoto was saved by a giant octopus after being shipwrecked in the Kumano Sea. In 1986, it was designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Tottori Prefecture, serving as a vital cultural heritage deeply connected to the local history. The highlight of the ceremony occurs in the latter half, where shrine followers (ujiko) wearing only traditional fundoshi (loincloths) lift a massive octopus made of straw. As they move rhythmically to the sounds of Kagura music, the intense physical movement and the sight of the giant straw octopus being thrust upward create a powerful, breathtaking spectacle.
The origins of this ritual lie in the legend of Hayatama-no-mikoto, who survived a shipwreck in the Kumano Sea thanks to the assistance of a giant octopus. To reflect this myth, a large octopus made of straw is the central figure of the ritual. The movements of the ceremony are highly symbolic: the act of raising the straw octopus represents the 'calming of the sea,' while the vigorous pushing and jostling among the followers represents the 'roughness of the waves.' This unique form of worship, blending the threats of nature with divine salvation, has been preserved by the local community for generations.
The ritual progresses in two distinct stages. First, around 1:00 PM, the Autumn Festival (Shuki-reisei) begins at the shrine's main hall for the welcoming of the deity. This sacred stage features a colorful, large 'O-shime' (sacred rope) measuring 60cm in width, while the priest performs ritual prayers. The most dramatic part, the 'Takomai-shiki,' begins around 3:00 PM. At the Maido (Kagura stage), the followers, dressed only in fundoshi, gather to lift the man carrying the giant straw octopus. In a dynamic display, twelve men push and lift the carrier repeatedly. Following the number of tentacles, the octopus is thrust toward the sky eight times, creating an incredibly high-energy atmosphere.
The ritual takes place annually in October. The schedule typically begins with the Autumn Festival at 1:00 PM, followed by the main Takomai ritual at 3:00 PM. The ceremony is characterized by its transition from 'stillness' (the sacred prayers) to 'motion' (the intense physical ritual), making it a perfect time for photographers and spectators to witness the shift in energy.
Visitors can observe this traditional ritual at the Maido (dance hall) within the Fukuoka Shrine grounds. You will witness the raw energy of the shrine followers in their traditional fundoshi, moving intensely to the beat of Kagura music, and the sight of the giant straw octopus swaying up and down. It is a rare opportunity to witness a unique form of local ritual that is unlike any other in Japan.
Around Fukuoka Shrine, there are several spots to experience the nature and culture of Tottori. You can visit the 'Fukuoka Tsutsumi' which reflects the scenic beauty of Mount Daisen, the 'Daisen Makiba Milk no Sato' for a nature-filled experience, or the Seiji Kitamura Photography Museum for an artistic touch, all within reachable distances.
When attending the ritual, please keep the following in mind: