KARAKASA
Ohata Karakasa Mando（大畑のからかさ万灯）
What a long name! Why don’t we just go with “Karakasa” for this article? This might be actually the most popular way to talk about this four-century old Ibaraki event. The area is not so easy to access (unless you have a car equipped with a navigation system), therefore I doubt many of you got the chance to see it. And it is a shame. The festival I am about to talk about is even older than Mito K?mon, the local legend.
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A big paper umbrella 5 meters in diameter
So Karakasa is about setting off fireworks from a huge paper umbrella (the actual Karakasa), 5 meters in diameter and 5 meters in height. When ignited it produces a gorgeous waterfall-kind of a fireworks that is said to resemble the more recent Niagara fireworks. First, one ignites the rope that will serve as fireworks fuse. After travelling a distance of 100 meters, a fuse ignites the fireworks inside the “Yattsu-Guchi” (or “8 mouths” 八つぐち) on top of the Karakasa. The waterfall-like fireworks errupt from there, shooting in all directions. In addition, the fireworks ignites fire the Japanese lanterns surrounding the Karakasa, reaching then the top button of the paper umbrella. This magnificent show, which recreates the atmosphere of a rainfall, ends after 7 minutes of dropping sparkles.
A prayer for rain
The origins of this set piece date back to a time when, according to the legend, farmers offered a fireworks paper umbrella to their god in order to get rainfall after a terrible drought had devastated their crops. There are also rectangular lanterns at the bottom of the Karakasa which bear the inscription “Good Crops.” As soon as the fireworks end, a rocket is shot into the night sky, thus putting an end to the entire festival.
Until the production of fireworks was entrusted to qualified fire technicians through the Powder Regulations Act, techniques were secretly preserved through generations of villagers. “Hayashigoto” (songs and dances on stage) is also performed on the day of the festival, the main attractions being the “Sangiri”（三ぎり）and the “Amagoi-Bayashi”（雨乞いばやし.）
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Rainy season (tsuyu)
The rainy season is from the middle of June through late July. It is called "tsuyu." Few heavy downpours occur, but this period is marked by clouds and drizzles. Mold is especially prolific during this time with a preference for dark chests and closets (oshi-ire). Chemicals are available to combat the mold. Food, also, is more susceptible to mold during this time.
Ohata Washi Shrine
The praised god of this shrine is called Ame-No-Hiwashi-No-Mikoto（or 雨之日鷲尊.）The shrine was established in 1603. Ame-No-Hiwashi-No-Mikoto is celebrated as a god who can provide good crops, peace on earth and town safety. Also, it is said that this god can heal all kinds of colds.
The Karakasa festival is held every year on August 15th. For more information, please call the Tsuchiura Commerce, Industry and Tourism Office: 029-826-1111… or use a GPS… or be lucky, like me.
Nearest train station: Tsuchiura station.
