This ceremonious event commemorates a pivotal moment from the late 2nd century, honoring the victorious return of the legendary Empress Jingu after her conquest of the three kingdoms in the southern Korean Peninsula. In homage to her historic triumph, she is said to have presented wakame seaweed from the Seto of Hayatomo to the deities. This sacred ritual, steeped in tradition, is observed annually on the first day of the old lunar calendar at dawn. The event begins with the reverent offering of Kagura, enchanting the attendees with its divine dance and music. Following this, a trio of priests, clad in eboshi headgear, traditional hunting garb, white tabi socks, and sandals, step into the sea at low tide. Illuminated by the soft glow of torches, they skillfully harvest wakame seaweed with sickles, a ritualistic act symbolizing prayers for maritime safety and abundant fishing, echoing the ancient tales of prosperity and divine favor.
• Kagura: 2/9 (Fri.) 23:00~1:00 *cancelled in case of rain.
• Shinji ritual: 2/10 (Sat.) 2:30~4:00 *rain or shine
• Mekari Shrine
• Temporary parking available (50 spaces, Map)
• 3492 Moji, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• https://www.mekarijinja.com/mekarisinji
• https://www.instagram.com/mekarijinja/
