Uesugi Matsuri 2024

The Yonezawa Uesugi Festival is a spring festival in Yonezawa that heralds the arrival of spring, held in conjunction with the spring grand festival of the Uesugi Shrine, dedicated to Uesugi Kenshin, the founder of the Uesugi clan, and other notable figures such as the wise ruler Uesugi Takayama, Uesugi Kagekatsu, and Naoe Kanetsugu, enshrined at the Matsunami Shrine. Throughout the festival period, the entire city is adorned with festive decorations, and numerous events take place, engaging the entire community.

Warrior Ritual (Budenziki) – May 2nd: A reenactment of Uesugi Kenshin’s departure ceremony, featuring solemn rituals such as the symbolic Five Splashes of Water (Gotensui) and the invocation of the war god, conducted in the midst of a blazing sacred fire.

Uesugi Procession – May 3rd: Centered around the sacred palanquin, a grand and splendid procession of over a thousand participants, including floats, mounted warriors, and elementary school drum and fife corps, parades through the city in full Uesugi armor.

Battle of Kawanakajima – May 3rd: Recreation of the epic clash between the Uesugi and Takeda armies, considered one of the largest battles in Warring States history. Scenes include the firing of matchlock guns, the dramatic moment when Uesugi Kenshin charges alone into the Takeda army in the famous “Three Strikes, Seven Strikes” scene, and a massive combined effort involving around 700 warriors from both sides, creating a powerful and dynamic spectacle reminiscent of a contemporary Warring States painting.

 

 

 

Outline of the event

Date: April 29 – May 3, 2024

Venue
Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture

 

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