It’s that time of year again: time to carry a 800 kilo god taxi around town. This time was a little different because I sort of knew what was going on. I knew the course for the most part.
This year I also finally understood the proper way to carry Mikoshi. No, it’s not to bend your knees a bit and let everyone else carry it. Rather, you should be leaning on it with your feet outside and on walking on your sides. The theory is, if everyone did this, you would collectively form a triangle, which are strong. Also, you can walk forward together without stepping on each other’s feet. It feels unnatural at first, but you get used to it and “trust” the Mikoshi.
This being my second time around, I had a bit more trust with the locals. They knew I could carry it and wouldn’t give in. A few people in town also thanked for me coming every year.
The Mikoshi and Festival is mostly prepared for by the towns local sonenkai, or “General Age Club”. The sonenkai is made up of males between the ages of 18 – 47ish. It seems reminiscent of a lions or rotary club of sorts in that they do things for the local community. It seems I’ve proven myself to them and I am joining the club. No secret handshakes though…
Having an opportunity to participate in the Matsuri from start (well, almost the start) of the festivities through clean up, really gave me a new respect for the work that goes into a Japanese Matsuri and the kind of community and cooperation it requires. Moreover, joining and being “accepted” into the local community like I have is a rather humbling experience.
As a “member” of the sonenkai, I only have 20 some-odd more times that I am required to carry Mikoshi. To most, this might seem a burden, and truth be told, it is a burden. It’s a burden that simultaneously strikes fear and excitement into my heart. A burden that I will gladly carry. And then promptly thank God the moment it’s over that I don’t have to carry it for another year.
