Like other municipalities in Japan, Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture suffers from a declining population. In response, the Matsue Junior Chamber of Commerce took the initiative to organise a cultural event for the first time to strengthen the relationship between the city and people outside of the city, particularly from other countries
Matsue Junior Chamber, Inc. hosted Matsue’s cultural promotional event, EXPERIENCE MATSUE, at Matsue City Hall on 27 July, attracting many citizens, including foreign-born residents.
The main attractions included performances with do (giant drums), mikoshi (miniature shrines), and zeni-daiko (hollow bamboo batons with coins strung inside), captivating the audience’s interest.
One of the highlights was the Do Experience performed by the Suetsugu (末次) Neighbourhood Association’s Do Team. In Matsue, large taiko drums are known as do, and these drums are prominently featured in the Do Gyoretsu Parade, or a grand festival, held on the third Sunday in October each year. The Suetsugu Neighbourhood Association has been known as a leading team since the festival’s establishment in the Meiji Period (1868-1912) and is characterised by its moss-coloured happi coat.
The team brought two types of white-wooden floats, the larger one adorned with lanterns and the Kanji for toshi toku shin (歳徳神), a deity of the new year at the foreside. These floats are considered portable shrines. Participants beat taiko drumsticks to the Shagiri and Mitamita melodies, played by bamboo flutes and miniature Japanese cymbals called changara to play for peace, a good harvest, and successful fishing.
‘I want people outside of Matsue City to learn about our culture and increase the number of people involved with Matsue City,’ said Tsugunori Sato, Chairperson of the Committee for the Relevant Population Increase of Matsue Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Food stalls were also bustling, with visitors eager to enjoy delicious meals.
Matsue Junior Chamber is scheduled to host Suirourou, a lantern festival, this coming November.
(words by Takashi Saito)