Takeda Castle Matsuri

The morning after our glorious feast we were picked up earlyish and whisked away to Takeda for matsuri enjoyment with our conversation class. Takeda is a suburb of Wadayama and has many traditional homes. The few times we've been there, the town feels empty-- all closed up. But on the 8th the doors were opened wide; the better for viewing the doll displays. There were many antique displays, including one from the 1850s!
This is unusual, as Japan has many superstitions about inanimate objects becoming alive and aware on their 100th birthday. Dolls, having human form, have even more superstitions attached to them, and there were specific rites carried out to dispose of dolls, rather than passing them on to a new owner. You can still find these ceremonies at a few shrines.



We then met up with Fujio, who was having a great time with his grandkids. His neighbors welcomed us, chatted a bit, and gave us delicious okonomiyaki. Mmmm! Then it was time to wander, have some matcha, visit a temple, appreciate the cherry blossoms. Finally the main event was about to start.




Chika maneuvered us into a great position. We waited, jostling to maintain our prime position. Then, from the South we spotted the Akamatsu clan in red. At the same time, the Yamane clan entranced in blue. The Asago-shi mayor was the head of the Yamane clan. He made a nice speech, of course mentioning the blooming cherry blossoms, and then gave the official go. The gunmen shot their rifles. Then the foot soldiers charged. Finally, it was the swordsmen's turn. Judging by the whiff of alcohol and the broad grins, it looked like the reenactors had a great time.