Karatsu Kunchi is said to have begun at the end of the 16th century at the autumn festival of Karatsu Shrine. Currently held on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of November for three days. 14 gorgeous floats decorated with lacquer and gold leaf and silver leaf parade through the town.It is a festival representing Karatsu, visited by about 500,000 tourists, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gofuku machi where the Gofuku machi shopping street is located.It has the 4th float of 14 floats of Karatsu Kunchi. It was reported that there was a garment shop in Gofuku machi around 1840, and that there were people who were keen on helmets and armors.So it was reported that the motif of the float was decided to be Minamoto no Yoshitsune's helmet. It made by local volunteers in September 1844.
In Gofuku machi, the spirit and culture of the festival is still handed down and still connects the past and future of the town. Please see the history of Karatsu Kunchi traced by Gofuku machi along with photos.
This photo is probably from Taisho era(1912～1926)
This photo is also precious,probably from Taisho era
Commemorative photo when the float(MInamoto no Yoshitsune’s helmet)was repaired totally in 1962
Hikidashi at Otabisho in1962
Around1945,all floats gathered on Komeya machi street.It stopped on the other side of the street unlike the way of stopping at that time
Around 1985,The floats are marching to Otabisho
Hikikomi,highlight of Kunchi festival
Hikidashi,restarting of marching from Otabisho
After Hikidashi,the float steering to the right at the corner to Egawa machi.
Its recent yearphoto.Yoshitsune’s helmet are waiting for start of Yoiyama on Gofuku machi street.
The floats line are taking break on Zaimoku machi street
In the old streets of the old castle town, the float is cruising along a narrow street
On the narrow street,Its big time to show off Kajitori(person who turn the helm)’s skills.If you get wrong timing,it causes accident.So Kajitoris turn the helm carefully.
Just before the Hikikomi in 2002
Several floats from Yoshitsune’s helmet enter the Otabisho facing backwards.
The dragon head of helmet restored in 2003
"Shikoro" is a feature of Yoshitsune's helmet. It is assembled one by one
The base and adjustment part which support the float
Looking up at the float from inside
Sengi(a central pillar supporting the helmet)and pulley.It adjust the height of float here.
It is a record of past producers and people who were involved in repainting.
The wheels and helm sticks.Helm sticks is telescopically stored in the base
Cleaning the float
Polish strongly!
The chin strap.Several adults are required to tie the chin strap
Finished!
Practicing Hikiyama music
Practicing Hikiyama music
Finished!
Practicing Hikiyama music
In October,children practice the Hikiyama music every night and improve their skills for Kunchi
Such scene can be found all over the town
Front side of Nikujuban of Gofuku machi until the 1955s
Back side
Front side of Nikujuban of Gofuku machi from the 1970s till now
Back side
Front side of current Happi of Gofuku machi
Back side
