News Discussion

Gion Matsuri to Showcase Great Ship Float on New Wheels

Ato-matsuri, which will take place on July 24, is the second part of the float display at the Gion Matsuri. One of the ato-matsuri's main attractions is the Ofune Boko (Empress Jingu's Great Ship) float from Shimogyo-ku in Kyoto.

Its newly acquired four wheels were recently unveiled to the press. Each boasting a diameter of 2.13 meters (83.8 inches) and weighing 685 kilograms (1,510 pounds), these wheels are apparently the largest ever used on any float in history. In 2024, it will parade in its original white wood color without any paint.

The outer parts of the wheel's circumference are made from oak, while the central sections that support the axles are crafted from zelkova. Hachino Carpentry in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, undertook the job. It is renowned for its expertise in shrine and temple construction, as well as floats.

After a 150-year absence, the Ofune Boko returned to the procession in 2014. It received the wheels previously used by the Kikusui Boko (Chrysanthemum water) float since 1953, which were repaired due to noticeable wear and tear.

Since 2015, the Ofune Float Preservation Society has been procuring wood to replace its wheels. They spent seven years drying wood sourced from Miyazaki Prefecture and Ayabe City and began production last summer.

The organization gathered donations from both corporate and individual donors. Seito Transportation and Warehousing (located in Kumiyama Town) generously funded the previous two wheels.

Chairman Nobusuke Kimura (54) of the preservation society expressed deep satisfaction. "We are pleased with the impressive craftsmanship," he beamed. "It exceeded our expectations. Our aim is to perpetuate these rituals and festivals for future generations. I believe we have successfully handed down something of value to the next generation."

1. 1. unveil 公表する、（秘密などを）明かす、明らかにする、（覆いを）取る、外す
   The artist will unveil their latest masterpiece at the gallery opening next week.
2. 2. diameter 直径
   Engineers measured the diameter of the bridge’s support cables.
3. 3. renowned 有名な、高名な
   Kyoto is renowned for its historic temples and beautiful gardens.
4. 4. donation 寄付、寄付金
   The local food bank relies on donations from the community to feed those in need.
5. 5. perpetuate 伝える、永続させる
   The museum’s mission is to perpetuate the memory of historical events.

1. 1. What is the date of the Ato-matsuri?
2. 2. What is unique about the wheels of the Ofune Boko float?
3. 3. How did the Ofune Float Preservation Society fund the replacement of the wheels?
4. 4. How do you feel about the preservation of traditional festivals and rituals for future generations?
5. 5. Can you relate to the concept of ‘handing down something of value to the next generation’? If so, in what way?

祇園祭後祭の山鉾（やまほこ）巡行（２４日）でしんがりを務める大船鉾（京都市下京区）が車輪４本を新調し、報道陣に公開した。新しい車輪は直径２・１３メートル、重さは６８５キロあり、すべての山鉾の中で史上最大という。今年は色は塗らずに白木のままで巡行する。

車輪の外周の部材などはカシ材を、車軸を受ける中心部はケヤキ材を用い、社寺建築や屋台などを手掛ける八野大工（岐阜県高山市）が手がけた。

大船鉾は平成２６年に約１５０年ぶりに巡行復帰を果たした。その際、昭和２８年から菊水鉾が使用していた車輪を譲り受け、修理した上で使用してきたが傷みも目立っていた。

大船鉾保存会は将来の車輪の新調に備え、平成２７年から木材の調達に着手。宮崎県や綾部市などで入手した木材を７年かけて乾燥させ、昨年夏から製作を進めていた。

法人や個人に寄付を募り、前の２輪は誠都運輸倉庫（久御山町）が全面寄付したという。同保存会の木村宣介理事長（５４）は「想像以上に大きく、精緻な技術で立派なタマ（車輪）ができて喜んでいる。神事・祭事を未来永劫（えいごう）続けることが目標なので、次の世代に引き継げたと思う」と感慨深そうに話した。 。