Matsue – Splendid autumn weather brought Matsue to life, resounding drums and bells in time to a musical accompaniment. Matsue’s festival lovers, dressed in matching uniforms called Happi, proudly paraded through the streets, shouldering a portable shrine that set the Japanese god for celebrating the new year on a pedestal. An order by an elderly headmaster of a neighborhood association made his group halt. Still, the members beat drums at the centre of Matsue Ohashi Bridge to show their performance to spectators. The following portable shrine, shouldered by another neighbour block, also marched with its unique musical accompaniment at the corner of the bridge. Dogyoretsu, also known as the Drums Parade, was held on October 16th.
Dogyoretsu is one of the most significant festivals in Matsue, making the tranquil residents of Matsue exuberant and setting their spirits on fire. It is said that the event’s origin was to ascend to the throne of Emperor Taisho. More than 100 years have passed since the festival, except during wartime. The groups consist of members from each town’s neighbourhoods, ranging in size from 100 to 130 people. The members prepare for the divine service with hard training to create an esoteric rhythm with drums. Hence, becoming a member of the groups is a great honour for them, as representatives of the neighbourhoods.
The Matsue tradition is still handed down to the next generations.
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