The peak period for creating snake (Chinese zodiac) darumas.
2013 will the year of the snake. Founded 150 years ago, the long established Arai Daruma (Higashiyawata, Hiratsuka) store enters peak production of snake (Chinese zodiac) darumas.
With the money in 2004, the store began creating Chinese zodiac darumas. This year marks their 10th type of animal.
"The snake is associated with Bentensama (Benzaiten). In order to increase one's luck with money, the darama has been inlaid with gold and platinum lamé. The color is gorgeous," said Arai Seikan (57), 4th generation owner of Arai Daruma.
The darumas will be unveiled on November 4th at the Hiratsuka business festival. They will be sold at places such as the Yokohama and Yokosuka Tori No Shi festivals and the Iizumi Kannon Daruma City.
Original text:
【動画ニュース】平塚で巳(へび)の干支だるま製作ピーク
2012年10月24日
A battle scene depicted on a picture scroll unfolds at the the Battle of Mimase Festival=Mimise, Aikawa-Cho
The Battle of Mimase Festival is connected with the clashes during Japan's Civil War period. On the 21st, the festival was held in Mimise, Aikawa-Cho. Many arrived to remember the fierce battle which occurred 450 years prior.
This year marks the 13th occasion of the event, sponsored by a committee made up of interested locals (Presided by Takagi Masou). The festival is held in order to comfort the souls of those lost in battle and revitalize the area.
At the event location, interested locals recreated a battle departure ceremony. Other ceremonies such as (gun) firing performances took place. There was a kiso horse performance by the Kōshū Japanese Style Horsemanship Research Association, as well. Near the spot where Commander Asari Nobutane was said to be killed in battle, a short performance took place, which recreated the scene of a battle from a civil war picture scroll.
Additionally, Aikawa's Prefectural and Sagamihara's Kōmyō High School added to the atmosphere with Japanese taiko performances. Local vegetables were sold on the spot, and an area to take pictures while wearing cardboard armor was packed. President Takagi said "The first priority of the festival is to comfort the fallen spirits. We also want to promote interest in the area with the event if possible. At the same time, we wish for the next generation to continue (interest in) the festival."
At the same location, the Battle of Mimasetoge took place in 1569 (Eiroku year 12). The Hojo and Takeda clans met in a violent battle, said to be the largest incident of mountain warfare in Japan's history. The clashing of both armies led to over four thousand deaths in battle.
Original text:
戦国時代に思いはせ、愛川町で「三増合戦まつり」/神奈川
2012年10月21日