Crowdfunding Campaign Launched: 'Complete Kyoto's Premier Women's Mikoshi and Add Vibrancy to Matsuo Taisha's Important Festival'

THE KYOTO Crowdfunding (operated by The Kyoto Shimbun Co., Ltd.) is currently promoting a crowdfunding project for the Yamabuki-kai women's mikoshi group.

Every September, the 'Yamabuki-kai,' a group consisting solely of women, carries a mikoshi during the Hassaku Festival at Matsuo Taisha (Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City), known as 'Kyoto's last summer festival.' The group is planning to decorate and lacquer their currently unfinished wooden mikoshi to further invigorate the festival and the local community, and they are seeking support through crowdfunding.

[Crowdfunding Overview]

The Yamabuki-kai was formed in 1998, inspired by an event where women carried a mikoshi in honor of Tamayori-hime-no-mikoto during the completion of the mikoshi storehouse at Kinute Shrine, a subsidiary shrine of Matsuo Taisha. With the support of Matsuo Taisha and the local community, they have been performing the procession since the same year.

The Hassaku Festival takes place on the first Sunday of September every year. As this period is prone to typhoons and pests, the festival is held over two days, starting from the Saturday before, to pray for calm weather and a bountiful harvest.

The Yamabuki-kai completed their own cypress-made mikoshi in 2001, but it remains in an unfinished, bare wood state. With the 30th anniversary of the group's formation approaching, they wish to finally complete the mikoshi.

[Use of Funds]

The plan involves disassembling the mikoshi to apply lacquer and restoring the gold-plated metal fittings. All work will be done by Kyoto artisans, requiring significant funding. Support will be used for these costs, as well as operational funds to ensure safe processions.

Duration and Goal Duration: May 20, 2026 (Wed) 18:00 – August 19, 2026 (Wed) 18:00 Goal: 5,000,000 yen

Notable Rewards Rewards include original hand towels, fans, happi coats, a special limited-edition Matsuo Taisha Yamabuki-kai goshuin (stamp), and participation in the boat procession with commemorative photos (September 6, 2026).