🎎 Ogura Gion Taiko

The "Kokura Gion Daiko" boasts a proud history of 400 years and is a taiko performance held during the annual festival of the "Yasaka Shrine," built to protect Kokura Castle. It is said that Hosokawa Tadaoki, the builder of Kokura Castle, initiated this ritual in 1617, imitating the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, to pray for disaster relief and the prosperity of the castle town. Every July, people dressed in happi coats and yukata parade through the streets, playing taiko drums to pray for a bountiful harvest and to ward off disasters. The playing styles of Kokura Taiko include "omote-uchi" (front hitting), "yoko-uchi" (side hitting), and "aruki-uchi" (walking hitting), which are extremely rare nationwide. In 2019, it was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset by the national government. The first day of the festival, Friday, is known as "Yoi Gion," where floats carrying taiko drums parade around Kokura Castle and the Uomachi Ginten Street area. On the second day, Saturday, a taiko competition for children below junior high school is held at the Otemon Plaza of Kokura Castle, known as the "Children's Competition." Additionally, there are taiko performances throughout the city of Kokura. The final day, Sunday, concludes with adults showcasing their taiko skills. The "Taiko Souken" event allows participants to compete against each other. The three-day festival envelops the entire city in a lively atmosphere, making it the best time to visit Kokura.

In conjunction with the "Yasaka Shrine" Grand Festival, a taiko performance is held, showcasing a traditional event with a proud history of 400 years. It takes place every year on the third Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of July, featuring various exciting activities over the three days. Taiko performances can be seen throughout the city of Kokura, enveloping the entire city in a lively and vibrant atmosphere.