The Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a sacred event dedicated to the Kushida Shrine, Hakata’s main guardian shrine, and has undergone various transformations over its long history. Today, it is distinguished between the elaborate stationary “Kazariyamakasa” and the “Kakiyamakasa,” which is carried through the town. Originally, the 15-meter-tall Kazariyamakasa was carried through the streets. However, with the proliferation of electric wires in the town, the festival evolved into the two types of Yamakasa we see today.
Although the Yamakasa is originally a Hakata festival, Kazariyamakasa are now erected outside the Hakata area as well. As Fukuoka expanded, Kazariyamakasa increased in cooperation with local shopping streets and for the enjoyment of tourists.
Kazariyamakasa have a front and a rear side, themed around historical tales or current popular topics, and are created anew each year. Recently, anime, now a representative aspect of Japanese culture, has become a frequent theme. Well-known and beloved anime are fitting themes for the dazzling Kazariyamakasa. This year, out of the 13 Kazariyamakasa, four are in collaboration with anime.

One of the most highly anticipated Yamakasa this year is themed after Mobile Suit Gundam. The Gundam series celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2024. Additionally, one of only two life-size Gundam statues in Japan is located at LaLaport Fukuoka. The “Gundam Hakata Jinraiden,” inspired by the battle scenes from the movie “Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack,” is featured as the rear display of the eighth Yamakasa on Kamikawabata Street.
The eighth Yamakasa is nicknamed the “Running Kazariyamakasa” because it is the only Kazariyamakasa still carried and paraded as it was traditionally. Its dynamic display can be seen during the Oiyamanarashi (July 12 afternoon) and Oiyama (July 15 early morning).
At Kamikawabata Shopping Street’s “Kawabata Zenzai Plaza,” where Yamakasa is displayed year-round, you can enjoy “Kawabata Zenzai,” beloved by locals. This year, Gundam-themed products are available here, including take-out packages adorned with Gundam illustrations and containing one of six randomly included original stickers.
At “Gundam Park Fukuoka” in LaLaport Fukuoka, the “Gundam 45th Anniversary Summer Festival Garapon” is held, offering prizes in collaboration with Yamakasa and Gundam.

Besides Gundam, three other popular long-running anime are featured in the Kazariyamakasa.

The anime “One Piece,” based on the popular manga, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. It follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a boy dreaming of becoming the Pirate King, and his diverse crew as they search for the legendary treasure, “One Piece.” A Kazariyamakasa featuring Luffy and his crew members is displayed in front of Hakata Station.

“Sazae-san” is a beloved long-running anime, with its creator Machiko Hasegawa having lived in Fukuoka, where the series first appeared in a local newspaper. The TV anime has been airing since 1969 and is the longest-running anime in Japan. The Kazariyamakasa in Shintencho depicts the Sazae-san family on a trip to France, enjoying landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, in celebration of the Paris Olympics this summer.

“Anpanman,” a familiar theme for Kazariyamakasa, is hugely popular among young children. The hero, Anpanman, with his anpan (sweet bean paste-filled bun) motif, helps those in need. The Kazariyamakasa on Watanabe-dori features Anpanman and his friends with smiling faces. The 35th movie in the series is currently showing, and the “Fukuoka Anpanman Children’s Museum in Mall” is located in the Hakata Riverain Mall.
This year’s Hakata Gion Yamakasa promises to be a spectacular fusion of tradition and modern pop culture, captivating both locals and visitors alike.

★Read more: Hakata Gion Yamakasa 2024 inforamtion