#Japan #Tokyo #Kanda Myojin #Edo Culture #Koshigaya Festival

An In-Depth Look into the Traditional Festival Culture from Edo Period to Today

On August 30, 2026, Kanda Myojin will host the fifth installment of the "Edo Festival Culture Lecture" series at the EDOCCO STUDIO in Tokyo's Kanda area. This event is designed to celebrate and preserve the rich festival culture of Edo, bridging the gap between past and present.

The highlight of the lecture will be the special exhibition of the precious float doll "Ryujin," created in the 4th year of the Meiji era (1871) by the master craftsman, Mouse Shop Takezen. The float doll, belonging to the Honcho 1-chome neighborhood association in Koshigaya City, is normally only displayed during local festivals. This rare opportunity allows attendees to appreciate this extraordinary historical artifact up close at Kanda Myojin.

Three Highlights of the Event:

1. Close Encounter with the Precious Float Doll "Ryujin"
This special one-day-only exhibition will showcase the float doll "Ryujin." Created in 1871, it is a prime example of artistic craftsmanship from the Meiji era. Guests will have the unique chance to observe this significant cultural asset, usually reserved for festival displays.

2. Deep Dive into the History of Festival Ceremonies
The event will feature a lecture by Takero Kobayashi, a Shinto academic and priest at Kuuizujinja Shrine. He will elucidate the historical connections between the Tokugawa Shogunate and Kuuizujinja Shrine. Attendees will learn about the deep-rooted traditions of prayer for bountiful harvests that have persisted since the Genroku period, and how the shogunate's presence elevated the shrine's status.

3. Interactive Panel Discussion with Local Community
In the second half of the event, representatives from the Honcho 1-chome neighborhood association will share their experiences maintaining and preserving the float and its associated festival traditions. They will delve into the challenges of cultural inheritance in modern times and engage in passionate discussions about their community's historical leadership in these festival practices.

Event Details:

• - Event Name: Edo Festival Culture Lecture "Koshigaya Autumn Festival and Float Doll 'Ryujin'"
• - Date and Time: August 30, 2026 (Sunday) 1:30 PM Doors Open / 2:00 PM Lecture Begins
• - Venue: EDOCCO STUDIO, Kanda Myojin Cultural Exchange Center, B1F (2-16-2 Soto-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
• - Capacity: Limited to 100 participants (first-come-first-served, advance registration required)
• - Participation Fee: 1,000 yen (tax included)
• - Registration: Tickets can be purchased through the dedicated online store at this link.

Featured Speaker Profile:

Takero Kobayashi

Takero Kobayashi serves as the priest of Kuuizujinja Shrine and is an adjunct lecturer at Kokugakuin University, with a PhD in Shinto studies. Born in 1981 in Koshigaya City, he has dedicated his life to the study and practice of Shinto. His scholarly contributions include various co-authored works on Japanese culture and ethics, showcasing his commitment to preserving and passing on this rich tradition.

Panel Discussion Participants

Members of the Honcho 1-chome neighborhood association will also share their invaluable insights and experiences with maintaining the float doll "Ryujin" and the festival's cultural practices, emphasizing the importance of their community in preserving this tradition.

Upcoming Events in the Series:

• - Next Lecture Date: September 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM
• - Theme: "Kinsaki Shrine and Honjo Autumn Festival Float Doll"
• - Featured Guest: Naoki Hayashi, Director of the Japanese Doll Culture Research Institute, along with the Honjo City Nakacho Neighborhood Association.

For inquiries regarding this event, please contact the Edo Festival Culture Lecture Executive Committee (CoCoRo Corporation) at 03-6811-6675.