I am Takanobu Aoki. Last year, I was appointed deputy president of the Foundation at a sudden request and made trial and error in cooperation with the Ashikariyama community. Starting this year, I serve as the official president. I sincerely ask for your cooperation, as I am still unfamiliar with the duties.
This year, the Ashikariyama community has had substantial difficulties in response to the renovation of the Maruyama float garage and of the community warehouse. Even though the power of each individual may be limited, the Ashikariyama residents have attained the community goals by working as one, demonstrating their strong solidarity. This past year has embodied the power and spirit of the townspeople that have been passed down from generation to generation. I would like to fulfill my tasks in cooperation with the community, so that this spirit will be handed over into the future.
Takanobu Aoki, President
Public Interest Incorporated Foundation for Ashikariyama Preservation
Event Schedule
July 2, Kuji-tori (Procession Order Draw)
The order of floats in the procession is determined by draw at the Assembly House of Kyoto City Hall. The draw starts at 10:00 a.m., and is followed by the official visit to Yasaka Shrine by officials.
July 2 Kippu-iri (Initiation Ceremony)
Kippu-iri is an initiation ceremony for divine events. The ceremony is usually held on the morning of July 1, heralding the start of Gion Matsuri period, which lasts over a month. In the Ashikari-yama area, officials gather at the community chairman's place on the evening of July 2, after the order draw, to pray for the safety of the festival and determine on related events, in front of the Divine Doll.
July 10Chimaki-zukuri
Residents of Ashikari-yama make chimaki on the Sunday following the order draw. It is believed that one can protect themselves from evils and troubles by hanging the chimaki in front of their house.
July 13 Yama-tate (Float Assembly)
Carpenters carry out the parts of Ashikari-yama and a cymbiform wooden frame to protect the float from the Ashikari-yama storehouse, and assemble the float with ropes without using a nail.
July 13 Kaisho-kazari (Festival House Decoration)
The Ashikari-yama area does not have a dedicated association hall for the present. The ssociationy residents are in charge of festival house decoration in turn.
July 14 through 16 Yoi-yama (Festival Eve)
The Ashikari-yama area is free of vendor stalls and provides festival guests and tourists with relaxed, tranquil time of Festival Eve.
July 17 Junko and Kuji-aratame (Procession and Draw Review)
Floats gather around the corner of Karasuma-dori and Shijo-dori at 9:00 a.m., and the procession begins with the Naginata-boko float at its head. The order of procession is examined at Sakaimachi-dori and Shijo-dori.
Ashikari-yama goods
T-shirts Colors: white and black
Logo T-shirts
Logo T-shirts
