Fukuchiyama City is gearing up for its much-anticipated annual Oni Festival, which this year proudly celebrates its fifth iteration on February 2, known as Oni Oni Day. This unique event is rooted deeply in the city's cultural heritage as "the town of Oni," with festivities centered around the legend of the Oni, or demon, particularly highlighting the famous Oni known as Shōkin-Dōji.
This year's festival will feature 19 exciting activities, marking the largest lineup to date. The theme of this year’s festivities—"Gather, Oni Chased by Setsubun!"—reflects the traditional Japanese celebration of Setsubun, where the metaphorical punishment of demons occurs through ritualistic casting of soybeans. This event serves not only to ward off bad luck but also to engage the community around shared folklore.
From January 31 to February 24, various events will take place across the city, including workshops where participants can create mini Oni masks using paper clay. Adults and children alike can express their creativity through these activities, enriching the experience of what it means to be part of the Fukuchiyama community.
Highlights of the Oni Festival include the highly anticipated drum performance by the Chūtan Taiko Omotenashi team, scheduled for January 31 at 5:50 PM, which will take place at the Oe Station front. Local gastronomes will offer traditional dishes like the Oni mask hotpot at reasonable prices, emphasizing community involvement and support for local businesses.
On the main festival day, February 2, residents and visitors are invited to participate from 10 AM to 3 PM at various sites, including Oe Station. Various showcasing activities will include film screenings of last year’s Shōkin-Dōji Festival and captivating presentations of local Oni legends, as well as hands-on painting workshops for mini Oni masks, limited to the first 20 participants per session.
"The concept this year has grown to include 19 unique initiatives, making it our largest festival yet," said a City official, who emphasizes the festival's role as both celebration and educational tool. The focus will allow attendees to deep-dive not only on the festivity but also on the historical significance of Oni within the local tradition.
Additional events will see the involvement of local high school students who will dress as Oni during the Setsubun ceremonies at the Motoiisei Niku Shrine, enhancing the cultural dialogue between generations. The community’s spirit will be palpable as participants engage with the city's rich history through performances and celebrations planned for the day.
For those who love literature and stories, the Fukuchiyama City Library will also host the surprise display of the original illustrated children's book, Where Do the Oni Chased Away Go?, along with various reading materials relating to Oni folklore. This adds another dimension to the festival, allowing families to enjoy storytelling and learn more about their cultural identity.
This festival stands out not only for the festive celebrations but also for the sense of togetherness it fosters across different sectors of the community. The preparation and execution of these events showcase the commitment of Fukuchiyama's local government and its residents to preserving cultural practices amid times of change.
The Oni Festival has grown due to the collective efforts of local leaders, community members, and organizations, ensuring the festival is exciting, educational, and memorable for years to come. It is not just about celebrating Oni but also about fostering relationships and memories among each generation.
Fukuchiyama City continues to invite participation from all corners of its community as it embarks on this significant cultural and historical celebration. The Oni Festival serves as both homage to the past and as encouragement for future connections forged by these traditions.