Shikinen Sengū and the Okihiki Festival

An illustrated free talk by Professor Sakurai Haruo on Shikinen Sengū, the once-every-20-years renewal ceremony at Ise Jingū, and the Okihiki timber festival.

Professor Emeritus Sakurai Haruo of Kogakkan University explores Shikinen Sengū, the grand renewal ceremony held every 20 years at Ise Jingū, in which shrine structures are completely rebuilt and over 1,500 sacred treasures renewed. The talk examines the ceremony's 1,300-year history and the Okihiki Festival, in which local communities transport timber for rebuilding, and how these traditions have sustained craftsmanship, architectural techniques and cultural continuity. The current 63rd renewal cycle began in 2025 and culminates in 2033. The talk is part of a wider programme with Ise City presented through the Spotlight on Local Japan Programme.