17 October, Wednesday - Mercury day, moon in Scorpio.
the 3rd day of the 10th lunar month.
Okaishiki - the ceremony to commemorate the death of
Priest Nichiren who passed away on the 13th of October, 1282.
It is held at night, surrounded by thousands decorated lanterns.
Here in Shinagawa, Tenmyokokuji organizes the Okaishiki ceremony.
Where? Minami-shinagawa 2-8-23, near Keikyu Aomono-yokocho stn.
When? The ceremony date changes each year.
Many of Nichiren temples in Shinagawa attend to this Okaishiki.
And, there is a rule, especially Matoi, Kane, Fue, Mantou
are must-pack items for the Okaishiki parade.
Firstly, a parade leader of each temple or group
shows up with a lantern written their group name.
Next, Matoi below follows.
A handler keeps spinning Matoi all the time
during the parade.
Must be a hard work.
↓ Kane (looks a flat drum) beats rhythms.
Fue (Japanese flutes) take a melody.
The line of each group ends with Mantou (lanterns).
Each group or temple designs own lantern decorations
and costumes.
Look!
They're so charming, aren't they?
