Most of the traditional events "Kakunodate no Matsuri" in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, which are registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, have been canceled due to the influence of the new corona virus. The warrior dolls riding the "Hikiyama" are on display.
The Kakunodate Festival, which is held every year at this time of year, is a traditional event in Semboku City where floats called "Hikiyama" decorated with warrior dolls parade through the town, and it is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Due to the influence of the new Corona, most of the events of this year have been canceled, but we have started to display the samurai dolls on the "Hikiyama" so that you can enjoy the atmosphere of the festival as much as possible.
Expressive samurai dolls such as Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Benkei add to the atmosphere of the festival.
Among them, the samurai doll made by Mr. Taro Kotaki, who has participated in the festival since he was a child, depicts a brave samurai who uses a bow and arrow to exterminate demons.
Mr. Kotaki said, "I made it by imitating a doll made by a professional craftsman, but it was difficult. I would like to continue to keep traditional events."
A man in his 70s who lives near the doll said, "I'm lonely because the festival was canceled in Corona, but I'm excited to see the doll alone."
Samurai dolls will be exhibited for a while in various parts of the town.