Kiryu Yagibushi Festival in Asakusa

"Kiryu Yagibushi Festival in Asakusa," which recreates the summer festival of Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, will be held on October 17 and 18 at Asakusa Rokku Broadway (Asakusa 1-2, Taito-ku).

What is the Kiryu Yagibushi Festival?

Held every August for three days in Kiryu City, it is the city's largest event in terms of attendance. Dance circles form around a yagura (tower) to the ondo chanting and festival music of the local folk song "Yagibushi." This year, its 63rd edition was held from August 7 to 9.

Why Asakusa?

The event is held in Asakusa to attract visitors to Kiryu City. Because the Limited Express "Ryomo" from Tobu Railway's Asakusa Station goes to Kiryu City without any transfers, the city positions Asakusa as the gateway to Kiryu.

Event Details

• Organizer: The "#Omatsuri Rock Executive Committee," made up of the Rokku Broadway Shopping Street Promotion Association, the Asakusa Koen-cho Neighborhood Association and others (with the cooperation of Kiryu City and the Kiryu Yagibushi Festival Supporters' Association)
• Performances: 4 per day (from 14:30, 15:30, 16:30 and 17:30), about 30 minutes each
• On the 18th, a ceremony will be held from 14:15
• Hours: 14:30 to 18:00

Committee chairman Yoshiyuki Matsukura said, "Its appeal lies in how approachable it is: anyone can easily join the dance to the crisp, spirited shouts and the lively rhythm of the kane (gongs) and taiko drums." He invites many people to take part.