Hōran-en'ya

Overview

Horan-enya is a traditional New Year festival held annually at the mouth of the Katsura River in Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture. It is said to have originated in the mid-Edo period and has been designated as a Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Oita Prefecture. The highlight of the festival is a decorated boat called a Horai-bune that rows up the Katsura River, with red and white rice cakes thrown from the boat and young men bravely jumping into the freezing river.

The name of the festival, Horan-enya, is derived from the chant used during the event. According to one theory, it evolved from the words horai-eiya or horai-e, horai-e, which mean prosperity and a mythical land of plenty. On the day of the festival, the banks of the river echo with the shouts of Horan-enya, yoiyasa-no-sassa from both participants and spectators.

History and Origin

Horan-enya is said to have originated in the mid-Edo period (1603-1868). At that time, the area now known as Bungotakada City was an exclave of the Shimabara Domain in Nagasaki Prefecture. The Shimabara Domain transported rice collected as land tax (nengumai) by cargo ship from Bungotakada to the castle town of Shimabara (present-day Shimabara City in Nagasaki Prefecture) and further to the domain's storehouse in Osaka.

The festival began as a prayer for the safety of the cargo ships delivering the nengumai and for a plentiful catch of fish. According to tradition, it originated as a celebration by sailors who had completed their voyages safely and offered thanks to the gods. In the old lunar calendar, when the calendar was linked to the tides, the festival was held on New Year's Day.

Today, the date of the festival is determined by the timing of the high tide. Because the Horai-bune rows up the river using the rising tide, the ebb and flow of the tide are crucial factors. The festival date varies from year to year but is generally held in early to mid-January.

The Horai-bune is decorated with fisherman's flags (tairyobata) and flags of all nations. On board are oarsmen, young men wearing a type of loincloth called shimekomi, a traditional musical ensemble (hayashikata), and two boys dressed as the gods Ebisu and Daikoku. This festive boat is a seasonal tradition that announces the arrival of the New Year to visitors.

Highlights

Departure of the Horai-bune The Horai-bune departs from the mouth of the Katsura River on the right bank and heads downstream to Kotohira-gu Shrine (Konpira-gu Shrine) for a prayer. It then rows upstream toward Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine, about one kilometer away. The moment of departure is the most tense and exciting scene of the festival, marking its beginning.

Throwing of Red and White Rice Cakes Red and white rice cakes (mochi) symbolizing good fortune are thrown from the boat to spectators on the riverbank. These auspicious cakes are eagerly caught by the crowd as a blessing for the New Year. The excitement of the spectators and the shouts from the boat create a lively atmosphere that fills the entire riverside.

Young Men Jumping into the River When spectators offer offerings such as sake or money, young men wearing only loincloths jump into the freezing Katsura River. They swim strongly to retrieve the offerings, demonstrating their bravery and vigor. This spectacular sight draws rapturous applause and cheers from the crowd.

Dance of Ebisu and Daikoku On the boat, two boys dressed as the gods Ebisu and Daikoku perform a traditional dance. This dance is meant to pray for a bountiful harvest and prosperous business. The charming performance of the boys softens the hearts of the spectators and adds elegance to the festival.

Festive Chants and Atmosphere Throughout the festival, the chant Horan-enya, yoiyasa-no-sassa rings out continuously. This chant is a key element that unites participants and spectators in the festive spirit. The call-and-response from the riverbank creates a unique and energetic atmosphere.

Using the Rising Tide for Boat Rowing The Horai-bune rows upstream using the rising tide of the high tide. The skill of reading the tidal currents and the synchronized oar work of the rowers are a major attraction. This traditional method of utilizing natural forces reflects the wisdom of the ancestors.

Event Information and Access

• Date and Time: Annually in January (typically January 2 or a Sunday in mid-January). In 2024, it was held on January 14 (Sunday). Please check the official website of Bungotakada City for the latest schedule.
• Location: Mouth of the Katsura River, Tamatsu area, Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture.
• Main Schedule: The boat departs around 10:50 AM and the event concludes around 12:10 PM. After visiting Kotohira-gu Shrine, the Horai-bune rows about one kilometer upstream to Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine.
• Access by Train: Take the JR Nippo Main Line to Usa Station, then a local bus for about 10 minutes. Bus schedules may change on the day of the event.
• Access by Car: Take the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway to the Usa IC and drive for about 20 minutes. Traffic restrictions will be in place around the Katsura River area. The restricted section is from Ebisu Bridge to Otama Bridge, with restrictions from 9:15 AM to around 11:00 AM.
• Parking: Bungotakada City Hall parking lot (free, about 500 spaces) is available. The Showa no Machi parking lot (paid) is also available. Early arrival is recommended as the area around the venue becomes congested.

Surrounding Area

Bungotakada City is known for its retro townscape called Showa no Machi (Showa Town). This area recreates a shopping street from the 1950s, with candy stores, vintage clothing shops, and nostalgic signs lining the streets. Visitors can enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere after watching the Horan-enya festival, making it a perfect combination of tradition and retro charm.

Near the mouth of the Katsura River are Kotohira-gu Shrine (Konpira-gu Shrine) and Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine. Kotohira-gu Shrine is dedicated to the god of maritime safety and serves as the starting point of the Horan-enya festival. Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine is the destination of the Horai-bune and becomes crowded with worshippers during the festival.

The center of Bungotakada City also features historical buildings and hot spring facilities. There are day-trip hot springs where visitors can warm up after the cold festival. Many restaurants offer local seafood dishes, making the area popular with tourists.

Related Information

• Cultural Property Designation: Horan-enya is designated as a Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Oita Prefecture. It is recognized as an important cultural event that preserves the history and traditions of the region.
• Origin of the Name: The name Horan-enya is said to have evolved from the chants horai-eiya or horai-e, horai-e. Several theories exist, but the exact origin is not definitively known.
• Horai-bune: The boat used in the festival is called a Horai-bune, which is decorated with fisherman's flags and flags of all nations. The Horai-bune is also known as a treasure ship, believed to bring good fortune.
• Participants: The boat carries oarsmen, young men in loincloths, a traditional musical ensemble, and two boys dressed as the gods Ebisu and Daikoku. The festival is organized primarily by local youth groups and community associations.
• Similar Festivals: Various boat-related New Year festivals exist in western Japan, such as the Kangen-sai in Hiroshima Prefecture. Horan-enya is distinguished as a particularly vigorous river-crossing festival.
• Contact Information: Bungotakada City Tourism Association (phone number available on the official website). The latest information is provided on the official website of Bungotakada City and the tourism association.

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