The Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan’s three major festivals alongside Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and Tokyo’s Kanda Matsuri, will take place on July 24–25 at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. One of the festival’s highlights is the “Gal Mikoshi” parade, in which a group of young women carries a mikoshi (portable Shinto shrine) through the bustling Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street.
During the event, judges select Miss Tenjinbashi and a runner-up based on the participants’ enthusiasm, smiles, and dedication to carrying the mikoshi.
Ahead of the festival, a promotional team visited the Osaka headquarters of The Sankei Shimbun to recruit participants.
Ten women, including the reigning Miss Tenjinbashi and the current runner-up, appeared in red-and-white happi coats. Carrying a miniature mikoshi and waving large ceremonial fans, they gave a spirited demonstration of the parade’s lively atmosphere.
Chihiro Horikawa, 26, the current Miss Tenjinbashi and a civil servant, encouraged women to apply.
“One of the biggest attractions is getting to carry the mikoshi through Japan’s longest shopping street while receiving cheers from so many spectators,” she said.
Recruitment Details
On July 23, participants will carry two mikoshi, each weighing about 200 kilograms (440 pounds), through the covered arcade of Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street. Teams of 20 women will take turns carrying the shrines along a route of approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles).
Organizers are seeking 80 women between the ages of 15 and 30 (excluding junior high school students) who are confident in their physical fitness. Applications must be submitted through an online form by June 30.
Following an initial screening, successful applicants will advance to a second-round audition on July 11. An orientation session for selected participants will be held on July 18.
(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: The Sankei Shimbun