Culture

Gion Matsuri to Showcase Great Ship Float on New Wheels

The Ofune Boko float prepares for Gion Matsuri with its new, record-breaking wheels, continuing tradition with specialist carpentry from Gifu.

Published

2 months ago

July 19, 2024

Sachimi Tanaka

Chairman Nobusuke Kimura of the Ofune Float Preservation Society gazes at the newly acquired wheels. On the left are the old wheels, Chukyo Ward, Kyoto City (©Kyodo)

Ato-matsuri, which will take place on July 24, is the second part of the float display at the Gion Matsuri. One of the ato-matsuri's main attractions is the Ofune Boko (Empress Jingu's Great Ship) float from Shimogyo-ku in Kyoto.

Its newly acquired four wheels were recently unveiled to the press. Each boasting a diameter of 2.13 meters (83.8 inches) and weighing 685 kilograms (1,510 pounds), these wheels are apparently the largest ever used on any float in history. In 2024, it will parade in its original white wood color without any paint.

*Gorgeous and dazzling floats set to appear in Gion Matsuri's ato-matsuri gathered around Shinmachi Street. Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, July 24, 2023 (©Sankei by Yasuaki Watanabe)*

The outer parts of the wheel's circumference are made from oak, while the central sections that support the axles are crafted from zelkova. Hachino Carpentry in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, undertook the job. It is renowned for its expertise in shrine and temple construction, as well as floats.

Restoring Wheels and Tradition

After a 150-year absence, the Ofune Boko returned to the procession in 2014. It received the wheels previously used by the Kikusui Boko (Chrysanthemum water) float since 1953, which were repaired due to noticeable wear and tear.

Since 2015, the Ofune Float Preservation Society has been procuring wood to replace its wheels. They spent seven years drying wood sourced from Miyazaki Prefecture and Ayabe City and began production last summer.

The organization gathered donations from both corporate and individual donors. Seito Transportation and Warehousing (located in Kumiyama Town) generously funded the previous two wheels.

Chairman Nobusuke Kimura (54) of the preservation society expressed deep satisfaction. "We are pleased with the impressive craftsmanship," he beamed. "It exceeded our expectations. Our aim is to perpetuate these rituals and festivals for future generations. I believe we have successfully handed down something of value to the next generation."

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Sachimi Tanaka, The Sankei Shimbun