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Dosojin Japanese Fire Festival

By Alex Con Foo

  • Establishment

    Establishment
    This festival began in 1863 and happens every year on January 15

  • The Aim

    The Aim
    The people of Japan pray for a plentiful harvest, health and good fortune.

  • Unlucky Ages and the Shaden

    Unlucky Ages and the Shaden
    An old Japanese superstition states that the ages of 25 and 42 are the unlucky ages for men. Therefore, in the time leading up to the ritual the men of this age get together and construct an 18m tall shrine known as a shaden.

  • Toro Poles

    Toro Poles
    Along with the shrine five toro poles are also made by a family in the village who are celebrating the birth of their first son. These toro poles are offered to the gods for health and good fortune.

  • What Happens

    What Happens
    The fire is first lit by the 25 and 42 year old men. The 42 year old men sit on top of the shaden and the 25 year old men stand guard at the base. Some torch-bearing villagers then attempt to break through the guard and light the shaden on fire.

  • The 'Attack'

    The 'Attack'
    While the villagers launch their attack on the shaden the 25 year old men standing guard at the base attempt to defend and put out any fires. The attack lasts for about one hour.

  • The Ending

    The Ending
    After about one hour the attack is called to an end and both the toro and shaden are set on fire as an offering to the gods.

  • The Dosojin

    The Dosojin
    Dosojin translates to 'Earth God' in English. The Dosojin are Shinto guardian deities and can appear in many forms. These earth guardians are being prayed to for good fortune and luck in the year and harvest. They are usually carved and portrayed as a man and woman

  • Rules of the Festival

    Rules of the Festival
    • The lighting of the fire and challenging is restricted to local villagers only. No one else is allowed to enter the roped off area.
    • Do not throw any objects or chant
    • Only participating members are allowed to climb the shrine
    • No drinking in the arena except for participants in the festival.
    • Please take care of friends.
    • We do not take responsibility for any damage or injury. It’s probably best not to bring valuable items with you.
    • We ask you to please respect the local customs.

  • Visiting the Ritual

    Visiting the Ritual
    The ritual is open to all who wish to attend. If outsiders of the village do attend however, they are only permitted to spectate and not participate in the ritual itself. The 2020 Dosijo ritual will be held in the village of Nozawa Onsen.