36th annual Mikoshi Parade brings communities together

News: 36th annual Mikoshi Parade brings communities together

Commander Fleet Activities, Yokosuka

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Story by Joseph Schmitt Subscribe To This Journalist

Courtesy Photo

Sailors from Fleet Activities Yokosuka and local community members, march down Clement Street carrying a Japanese mikoshi during the 36th annual Yokosuka City Mikoshi parade Oct. 21. In Shinto Buddhism a mikoshi is a vehicle to transport a deity between a main shrine and a temporary shrine during a festival or when moving to a new shrine. It is carried during Japanese festivals and holidays to bring good fortune to the local community. CFAY partners with host country sponsors to support a CFAY mikoshi bearing names of local commands and organizations. (Photo by Greg Mitchell, FLEACT Yokosuka Public AffairsOffice)

YOKOSUKA, Japan - Fleet Activities (FLEACT) Yokosuka sailors and their families gathered together with the local community to participate in the 36th annual Yokosuka City Mikoshi Parade held Oct. 21.

The parade began on Yokosuka Chuo Boulevard in downtown Yokosuka, proceeding on base at Clements Street. Yokosuka City Mayor Yūto Yoshida and Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Capt. David A. Owen were guests of honor along with several other host nation government officials.

A mikoshi is a defined as a divine palanquin (often translated as a portable Shinto shrine). Shinto followers believe that it serves as a vehicle to transport a deity in Japan while moving between a main shrine and a temporary shrine during a festival or when moving to a new shrine.

Often, the mikoshi resembles a miniature building, with pillars, walls, a roof, a veranda and a railing. It is carried by numerous amounts of people during a matsuri, which is Japanese for festival.
FLEACT sailors joined in with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force sailors to carry portable shrines with other shrines and floats from local communities while parading to the beat of taiko drums and shouting “Wasshoi! Wasshoi,” which is a chant used to pep up and encourage those carrying the mikoshi to keep them going even under its extreme weight.

The purpose of the mikoshi is to welcome in autumn harvests as well as wish good fortune to the local community.

It is a time honored tradition which dates back to its presumed first use in 749 to transport Hachiman to Tōdai-ji temple from the Usa Shrine, found in the city of Usa which is located in Ōita Prefecture, Japan.

Each neighborhood association in Yokosuka collaborated to make the mikoshi parade a reality. Approximately 20,000 spectators watched the parade from off base and 25,000 on base. For some who participated, the carrying of the mikoshi was an experience that they will never forget.

“This is my third tour here in Japan and I do not know why I waited this long to participate in a mikoshi parade,” said Intelligence Specialist Senior Chief Petty Officer Kenyan Thompson of U.S. Seventh Fleet staff aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). “I cannot begin to explain what an amazing experience that this has been. I have nothing but respect and appreciation for the people of Japan. To join them in a cultural celebration like this is unbelievable.”

Along with the carrying of the mikoshi, sailors and families had the opportunity to interact with host-nation guests who chose to come on base to taste some of the foods provided at concession stands.

“I am glad that I have the opportunity to experience American culture,” said Yoshi Tanaka of Yokohama. “My wife and kids have been worrying me about coming here and finally the day has come so we can eat American barbecue!”