Madara Kijinsai

Madara Kijinsai (Demon-God Event)

April 17According to an old Japanese legend, when the 14th-century Rakuhoji Temple in Yamatomura burned down, the demon god Madara summoned a number of demons and rebuilt the temple in seven days. Then the demons danced around a bonfire to celebrate their accomplishment and to express their hopes for the temple's future success.
Today, men dress up like demons and, on horseback, climb the 145 stairs to the Rakuhoji Temple. There are also demon dances to commemorate those who saved the temple from oblivion. Since the event takes place in April when the cherry trees are in bloom, many spectators come to Yamatomura not just to see the Demon-God Event but also to view the blossoming trees.
CONTACTS:
Japan National Tourist Organization
1 Rockefeller Pl., Ste. 1250
New York, NY 10020
212-757-5640; fax: 212-307-6754
www.jnto.go.jp
SOURCES:
JapanFest-1965, p. 141