[2023 Event Report] Summary of traditional cultural event “ OTO-ORI ” in Tojo , Shobara City , Hiroshima Prefecture

What is “OTO-ORI”, a traditional cultural event that has been passed down for over 400 years?

``OTO-ORI'' is a traditional cultural event that has continued in Tojo Town for over 400 years.Horoshi horo wearing splendid costumes, brave warrior parades, feudal lord processions, and hana-children come together to create a vestige of the castle town. We will line up along the streets that will be preserved. For more information, please also see the article below.

Opening ceremony and opening event at Tojo Elementary School

We will report on "OTO-ORI" which was a big hit again this year!

Many food stalls are set up at the starting point of the OTO-ORI procession, creating a lively festival atmosphere. At the opening ceremony, the mayor of Shobara, Mr. Kozo Kiyama, played the role of ``Tono,'' and the principal of Tojo High School, Mr. Yoko Nishimura, played the role of ``Magistrate.'' Their amusing exchanges enlivened the venue. In addition, Kisei Ito and Momoka Kuwabara, who played the role of this year's "Princess", performed a calligraphy performance in which they prayed that "OTO-ORI" would last forever. Everyone was astonished by the heroic performance of the gun corps and the powerful roar of the cannons!

``OTO-ORI'' goes all the way to JR Tojo Station

The procession slowly moves forward with chants of "Shimo Nii, Shimo Nii!"

The above photo was taken with special permission from the organizer, the OTO-ORI Preservation Promotion Association, during the procession.

This time, I made a special stop and took a commemorative photo with the gorgeous horo-shu. The horo weighs about 15 kg, and since the temperature was higher than usual, it was quite difficult to carry it while walking! It's great to take pictures with a smile! At Tojo Station, you can enjoy taking commemorative photos with everyone in the OTO-ORI. The photo shows the lord, the princess, and the daimyo procession with long swords.

“OTO-ORI” is finally at its climax! To Tojo ro, where the good old townscape remains

At the main town hall near Tojo, the symbol of Tojo, the lord and magistrate introduced local products and a demonstration by the gun corps was held. Finally, the ``OTO-ORI'' leads to Tojo Road, where the good old atmosphere still remains. The sight of ``OTO-ORI'' paraded through the historic streets makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Edo period. The Hanawarabe at the back of the line are also working hard to walk.

To the finale of the OTO-ORI, Shiroyama Bridge

Shiroyama Bridge, which spans the Tojo, is the biggest photo spot where the horo people line up. Many camera enthusiasts do photography. Thanks to the cooperation and support of many people, ``OTO-ORI'' was held successfully this year as well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Well then, everyone, let's meet again next year at the 31st convention (scheduled for early November 2024).