After you’ve carried this float, this characteristic shout will engrave itself in your memory:
“Sakkasai, sakkasassai, sakasassaito, sorayo iyasaka sa…”
The call is a prayer for continued prosperity and good fishing. Before yelling “sorayo iyasaka”, the carriers synchronize their breath and fling the tower lantern float up. Looking at it from afar, it looks like a tall wave is tossing the float. The carriers move in a precise, yet completely unrehearsed tempo. Every year they tackle the festival with no preparation. Even so, it is deeply ingrained in the children of Ishizaki. Even when they lift their school desks they shout “sakkasai!”
Unfortunately it is impossible to experience the full creaking weight of the float for yourself here. The places where the carriers’ shoulders go are painted red. When the march goes out of sync it’ll feel very heavy. However, when it is perfectly coordinated, they can easily bear the weight.
This festival could never exist without rules and regulation. Handling those matters is a group of young “Branch Heads” usually in their upper twenties, it has traditionally consisted of youths 18 through 30 years old from each of the block councils. They serve one-year terms and oversee management of every facet of the festival. It’s a highly sought-after role among the youths of this town, wishing as they do to command at the blow of a whistle.
For that reason there are many young people who never leave Ishizaki. However, becoming a Branch Head is not as easy as that. Hopefuls must participate in community events while building rapport and trust not just with the elderly but with the float carriers as well. If elected to become a Branch Head, they lord over every aspect of the festival for a year, until the day of the festival itself.
It is a highly respected and honorable role in the community. Preparations for the festival begin at the Branch Head’s home, one year before the festival, where they and their family cook for and entertain the float carriers.
For the people of Ishizaki, this festival is a more crucial juncture in the year than even New Year’s Day. The day after, the new youth committee is instated, and a festival “alumni reunion” party is held. Ishizaki natives who’ve moved away from the city may not come home for o-bon or New Years, but for this festival, they will make an exception.
Six tower lantern floats can be seen at the Dōnomae Plaza, which is also the best place to watch this parade. From here, the Branch Head can carefully guide the carriers’ energy and manage their strength, while commanding the best view. At 8:00 PM fireworks fly, and the lanterns light up to make a magical scene. Even from far away they remain impressive. We hope you’ll experience this festival’s bright daytime colors as well as its whimsical nighttime glow.
