Experience Ise's Okihiki Festival: Make a Zai and sing Kiyari work songs

A hands-on workshop about the Okihiki Festival of Ise Grand Shrine, part of Shikinen Sengū, the once-every-20-years renewal of Japan's most important Shinto shrine. Led by Kawanishi Masahiko of Miyachu, a sacred straw rope artisan from Ise who leads kiyari work songs in his local Okihiki group. After an introduction to the festival's history and significance, participants make zai, the signalling batons used to direct Okihiki processions, from wooden sticks and washi paper, and learn to sing kiyari uta, the rhythmic work songs chanted during the festival. The event forms part of a wider programme presented in collaboration with Ise City within the Spotlight on Local Japan Programme, organized with the Japan National Tourism Organization.