The Dosojin Hi-Matsuri is held every year on fifteenth of January. Two groups of villagers play important parts in the fesitval – 42 year olds and 25 year olds. They spend 3 days building a large shrine, then for the main event the 42 year olds climb to the top, while the 25 year olds protect the shrine against fire attacks from the rest of the villagers. The Fire Festival is a big celebration for the villagers, and much free sake is consumed. Be very careful, sake in the cold goes down like water. All visitors are asked to carry a badge to identify themselves and their accommodation, so that those who overindulge can be given a ride home in a fire truck (after a spell in the tent of shame).
The evening started with some ceremonial events such as lighting a fire with a flint to then light the fire sticks. Then the action gets under way: In this video the protectors are saying “hi motte koi” Which means bring on the fire. The first fire attacks come from the youngest villagers, who are carried up by their parents. The 42 year olds are sitting on top of the shrine egging the attackers on (and drinking a lot of sake). Apologies for the shaky video, it was a bit of a scrum.
It gradually gets more serious, and the adult villagers use bundles of burning sticks to attack with full force.
It culminates with the burning of the shrine (no there is noone in the top part).
Everyone really enjoyed the evening
