This year, the Kenshin Festival, a celebration honoring the local hero of Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, Kenshin Uesugi, will be held on Saturday, August 23, and Sunday, August 24, in the Kasugayama area of Joetsu City. The role of Kenshin Uesugi, marking the 100th anniversary of the festival, will be portrayed by actor Ken Matsudaira. Participants from across the country will gather to take part in the “Departure Procession,” a majestic parade along the mountain foothills, as well as a reenactment of the famous battle between Kenshin Uesugi and Takeda Shingen, the “Battle of Kawanakajima.” Additionally, various events will be held around Kasugayama.
100th Kenshin Festival
■Date: August 23 (Sat) and 24 (Sun)
*Pre-festival event on August 22 (Fri)
■Venue: Kasugayama Castle Ruins, Kasugayama Castle Ruins Square, and other locations
■Inquiries: TEL 025-520-5741 (Kenshin Festival Sponsorship Association Secretariat: Joetsu City Tourism Promotion Division)
■Website
August 22 (Fri)
A pre-festival event will be held around Kasugayama Shrine to commemorate the Kenshin Festival.
6:30 p.m. ~ Lantern parade (Buried Cultural Properties Center to Kasugayama Shrine / Kasuga Elementary School and Takashi Elementary School students)
7:00 p.m. ~ Martial arts performance by the Echigo Joetsu Uesugi Hospitality Samurai Corps (in front of Kasugayama Shrine)
8:00 p.m. ~ Fireworks display
7:30 p.m. ~ Kasugayama Shrine grounds illuminated
Saturday, August 23
The 100th anniversary of the Kasugayama Intersection on the Sanroku Line will be celebrated with a “National Military Commander Performance,” as well as the main events of the festival, the “Departure Parade” and “Reenactment of the Battle of Kawanakajima.” Various stage events will also be held at the Joetsu Cultural Center.
16:00～ Performance by the National Military Commanders (Yamaro Line, Kasugayama Intersection)
16:30～ Departure Procession (Yamaro Line)
18:00～ Reenactment of the Battle of Kawanakajima (Kasugayama Castle Historic Site Plaza)
9:00～ Stage Event (Joetsu Cultural Hall, Grand Hall)
*For details on the events and stage event content, please check the website or pamphlet.
August 24 (Sun)
*The “Water Battle” has been canceled due to water shortages.
Before the battle, events such as the “Takemikazuchi Ritual,” in which prayers for victory are offered to the gods and Buddhas, “The Ceremony of Offering Salt to Lord Kenshin,” “The Dedication Performance,” and “The Great Folk Dance Procession of Lord Kenshin” will be held. Additionally, at the Joetsu Cultural Center, the “Samurai Troop Grand Battle ~ Echigo Joetsu Summer Campaign ~” will feature powerful martial arts performances by samurai troops from across the country, and the “Kenshin Festival Music Festival” will be held with performances by Takashi Elementary School, Kasuga Elementary School, and Kasuga Middle School.
9:00 a.m. – Kennou Mai Gassen (Buried Cultural Properties Center to the statue of Kenshin at Kasugayama Castle Ruins)
11:00 a.m. – Bu-tei Ceremony (Kasugayama Shrine)
1:00 p.m. – Kenshin’s Salt Offering Ceremony (Kasugayama Shrine)
7:00 p.m. – Kenshin Festival Folk Dance Parade (Kenshin Boulevard, from the intersection of the Yamakuro Line to the intersection of the Kaga Kaido)
10:00 a.m. – Samurai Troop Battle – Echigo Joetsu Summer Campaign – (Joetsu Cultural Hall, Grand Hall)
4:00 PM – Kenshin Music Festival (Joetsu Cultural Hall Grand Hall)
*For detailed event and stage event information, please check the website or pamphlet.
Gather! Eat! Play! Kasugayama Entenka
In conjunction with the Kenshin Festival, a two-day event featuring the best of Joetsu’s gourmet cuisine will be held on Saturday, August 23, and Sunday, August 24. The event will feature a variety of activities, including gourmet food, workshops, stage events, hands-on experiences, and games.
Live streaming on sister site “Joetsu Myoko Town Information”
This year’s Kenshin role, Ken Matsudaira, will appear in the departure procession and reenactment of the Battle of Kawanakajima, which will be live streamed on the sister site “Joetsu Myoko Town Information.” Please enjoy the excitement of this warring states period picture scroll commemorating Kenshin’s military prowess and virtuous deeds via live broadcast.
■Online streaming: Joetsu Myoko Town Information (free)
Saturday, 23rd at 4:00 PM～ National Warlords’ Performance / Procession
Saturday, 23rd at 6:00 PM～ Reenactment of the Battle of Kawanakajima
↑↑Click on the image above to access the live stream page.
