The Geishun Nebuta (迎春ねぶた) of Samukawa-jinja Shrine (寒川神社)

Geishun Nebuta

The Main Hall of Samukawa-jinja Shrine

Since 2001, Samukawa-jinja Shrine (寒川神社), in Samukawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, has been displaying the Geishun Nebuta (迎春ねぶた) during this time of year. Geishun (迎春) means welcoming the new year and nebuta (ねぶた) refers to large lanterns, often depicting mythical or historical figures, made from Japanese washi paper, usually placed on floats.

This year's Geishun Nebuta is titled "Hinoe-Uma — Nasu no Yoichi: The Target of Victory" (丙午 ～那須与一「勝利の的」). The story of Nasu no Yoichi and the fan target is a famous episode from The Tale of the Heike, well known as part of the Battle of Yashima during the Genpei War. In the midst of battle, the Heike forces raised a fan on one of their ships and challenged the Genji warriors to shoot it. The Genji archer who stepped forward was the warrior Nasu no Yoichi (那須与一). Mounted on horseback, he skillfully struck the small fan swaying on the waves with a single arrow. This extraordinary feat greatly lifted the morale of the Genji forces and instantly made Nasu no Yoichi famous.

"Hinoe-Uma" (丙午) is the 43rd combination of the traditional sexagenary cycle, a system combining the twelve zodiac signs and the ten heavenly stems. "Hinoe" represents yang fire in the ten heavenly stems, and "Uma" (horse) also represents yang fire in the twelve zodiac signs. Since ancient times, horses have been an essential support of daily life and industry and are associated with auspicious meanings such as progress, success, good health, and abundant harvests.

The nebuta will be on display until February 23 and illuminated from sunset until 7:00 PM.