Experience Ise's Okihiki Festival: Make a zai (processional baton) and sing kiyari work songs

A hands-on workshop led by Kawanishi Masahiko of Miyachu exploring the Okihiki Festival of Ise Jingū, making zai batons and learning kiyari work songs.

This workshop introduces the Okihiki Festival, part of Shikinen Sengū, the once-every-20-years renewal of Ise Jingū in which the shrine's buildings are rebuilt and over 1,500 sacred treasures recreated. Led by Kawanishi Masahiko, a shime-nawa artisan and Okihiki group member from Ise, participants first learn about the festival's history and significance, in which thousands carry hinoki cypress timbers through the streets. They then make zai, the signalling batons used to coordinate Okihiki processions, from wooden sticks and washi paper, and learn to sing kiyari uta, the rhythmic work songs chanted during the festival. The event is part of a wider programme with Ise City that includes talks on 6 and 7 November.