Sagichō Fire Festival

The Sagichō Fire Festival (Japanese: 左義長), also called the Dondoyaki (Japanese: どんど焼き) or by other names, is celebrated in Japan, usually on January 14 or January 15.[1] It is a local event in each village or town to burn away the gate pine and other New Year's decoratons as well as to pray for the New Year's best fortune. Some Sagichō festivals are related to the Shintoist shrines.

The "Sagichō" Fire Festival in Oiso, Kanagawa
The "Dōsojin" Fire Festival in Nozawaonsen, Nagano

The Sagichō fire festival has been celebrated in Japan at least since the 13th century, as it is mentioned in monk Kenkō's Tsurezuregusa. Because it used to be celebrated on January 14 or 15 on the lunar calendar, its origin may have been related to the Lantern Festival in China.[2]

Some Sagichō fire festivals that have become famous as tourist attractions are: the Dōsojin Fire Festival celebrated under in winter's snow in Nozawaonsen, Nagano;[3] the Sagicho Fire Festival held on the seacoast in Oiso, Kanagawa;[4] etc.

The Japanese-style fire festival is also celebrated at Japanese Shintoist shrines overseas, such as the Hilo Daijingu (ヒロ大神宮), Hilo, Hawaii.

See also

References
  1. 10 Famous Japanese Fire Festivals (2023)
  2. Getting to know the origin of Sagicho Festival (in Japanese)
  3. Nozawa Fire Festival
  4. Oiso's Sagicho Festival (Oisho, Kanagawa)
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