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Half sheet This vintage travel poster, issued by the
Hiroshima Railway Bureau in the 1950s, promotes the Kangensai Festival at the historic Shinto Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island.
The artwork depicts the festival's signature Gozabune (sacred boat)—actually three traditional boats bound together—lit by bonfires and lanterns as it carries a portable shrine (mikoshi) across the sea.
Key Festival Details
The Ritual: Originating in the Heian period (794–1185), the festival transforms courtly entertainment into a Shinto ritual. It features musicians performing gagaku (ancient court music) on nine traditional instruments, including strings, drums, and flutes, while the boat sails between shrines.
The Date: It is held annually on the 17th day of the 6th month of the lunar calendar.
2025 Date: Friday, July 11.
2026 Date: Mid-July (expected).
Timing & Atmosphere: The ritual begins around 4:00 PM and reaches its climax at midnight. The date is specifically chosen so the nearly full moon lights the boat's return journey.
Highlight: The "boat spinning" (ma-ma-ma) occurs when the large vessel enters the narrow Masugata (square corridor) of Itsukushima Shrine and turns three times in time with the music.
Poster Inscriptions
Top Center: (Itsukushima Jinja / Itsukushima Shrine)
Large Red Text:(Kangensai / Kangen Festival)
Left Side: Details the traditional date (17th day of the 6th lunar month) and mentions the "Eve Festival" (???).
Bottom Right:(Hiroshima Tetsudo-kyoku / Hiroshima Railway Bureau). |
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